News / Turbines don’t put off tourists
SCOTTISH energy and tourism minister Fergus Ewing has welcomed independent research by VisitScotland that tourists are not deterred by wind farms.
The tourism body commissioned market researchers OnePoll to poll 3,000 people who had taken a holiday or short break in the UK in the past 12 months, one third in Scotland.
The research found that more than 80 per cent of people taking a break in Scotland would not be put off by the presence of a wind farm.
In general the research indicated more support than opposition to wind farms, with no obvious preference for small or large ones.
Its findings fly in the face of views from anti Viking Energy campaigners who argue that the 103 turbines development in Shetland’s central mainland will damage the local tourist industry.
The report came out the week that US tycoon Donald Trump appears before the Scottish Parliament’s economy, energy and tourism committee, which is conducting an inquiry in the government’s ability to meet its renewable targets.
The independent research, commissioned by VisitScotland, shows that:
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83 per cent of Scottish respondents and 80 per cent of UK respondents stated their decision to holiday in the UK would not be affected by the presence of a wind farm.
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80 per cent of Scottish respondents and 81 per cent of UK respondents either disagreed with or neither agreed nor disagreed that wind farms spoil the look of the Scottish countryside.
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83 per cent of Scottish respondents and 82 per cent of UK respondents either disagreed with or neither agreed nor disagreed, that they would tend to avoid an area of the countryside if there were a wind farm.
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46 per cent of Scottish respondents, and 40 per cent of UK respondents, would be interested in visiting a wind farm development if it included a visitor centre.
Mr Ewing said: “These figures prove what we have long known – that the vast majority of visitors to Scotland do not see wind farms as a problem.
“Four in five visitors say their decision to come to Scotland would not be affected by wind farms.
“These figures show that those who speak out against the impact of wind turbines on the landscape do not represent the vast majority of Scots, or of potential visitors from within the UK – the vast, but too often silent majority, have said that wind farms simply do not affect their decision making.
“This research is borne out by the fact that the most recent tourism statistics show Scotland is growing in popularity with visitors, with a nine per cent rise in overnight stays.
“Scotland has vast natural resources and huge renewable energy potential and we have a responsibility to ensure the people of Scotland benefit. These figures show that it is possible both to enjoy Scotland’s stunning natural beauty, and to benefit from the potential of renewable energy.“
The full survey can be seen at
www.visitscotland.org/research_and_statistics/tourism_topics/wind_farms.aspx
Please also read:
Use statistics wisely (26 April)
VisitScotland survey confirms dangers to Shetland’s tourism industry (26 April)
Partial and misrepresenting (26 April)
Turbine poll meaningless (25 April)
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