Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.3°C   S Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / An emotive subject

Please allow me to respond to both letters from Helen Erwood on your website: Not enough facts (SN 6.5.12) and Coffee table science (SN 25.6.12).

In both she accuses opponents of the proposed Viking Energy wind farm of being “emotive” or referring to “emotive” research.

I believe that all human beings have emotions, and the wind farm is, after all, an emotive subject. The public debate has given supporters and opponents alike the opportunity to express their feelings in the local media, in a society where the expression of certain emotions in public is still discouraged and/or frowned upon.

I consider this a positive aspect and one, by all accounts, Helen has also benefitted from, as I detect anger, frustration, impatience and resentment in her contributions.

The proposed wind farm has already had a significant negative psychological impact on those members of the Shetland community faced with having to live within close – some far too close – proximity to the 145m high turbines, and all those who care deeply about Shetland’s pristine environment, wildlife and landscape, and the health, happiness and wellbeing of others.

The human psyche is difficult to ‘quantify’; that’s why we rely on qualitative, rather than quantitative research.

However much Helen tries to convince Shetland News readers that qualitative research is inferior to quantitative research, this is not the case; it is simply different, and to date the best tool we have available in our attempts to measure, interpret and understand human emotion.

Rosa Steppanova
Tresta

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.