Use statistics wisely

The Shetland News reports – “Turbines don’t put off tourists” – actually, according to the report, they probably do (but not the majority of tourists!)

The Scottish Energy and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing has welcomed independent research by VisitScotland that tourists are not deterred by wind farms – actually some are!

The report then goes on to say “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.”

Does this actually mean that 17% of Scottish respondents and 20% of UK respondents say that their holiday decisions would be affected by the presence of a wind farm?

All those in the tourism industry – Hotel/B&B owners, tourist guides, Commercial St shop owners, bus owners etc, will certainly welcome the minister’s decision that they can afford to lose a significant percentage of their business.

Statistics – if used – should be used wisely! If Fergus Ewing was in business and was told he was likely to lose up to 20% of his trade, he might think differently.

Please quote statistics from an independent viewpoint – or don’t use them at all (unless you wish to be ridiculed).

Gordon Carle
Lerwick