Thursday 28 March 2024
 5.8°C   ESE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Appalling lack of foresight

Well “I go” – as they say – “tae da fit o wir stairs” after listening to Radio Shetland’s Speakeasy discussion on tourism.

What I find astonishing is that the panel had an appalling lack of foresight regarding the effects the Viking Energy wind farm will have.

For a good few years now tourist buses – up to five or six a day, and even up to ten especially when cruise liners are in, come over the hill from Sandwater into the beautiful and scenic Weisdale valley.

The enlightened panel will need to get up to speed on this and consider new ways to promote tourism in Shetland.

When the construction of the wind farm gets underway, a viewpoint at the Swirtwills could be a wonderful attraction where tourists can actually observe it for themselves.

The spectacular view before them will consist of major upheaval, massive dump trucks, diggers and bulldozers, mobile crushers, batchers and mixer trucks – not to mention low loaders and other vehicles. Can you imagine their excitement?

All the ‘green’ tourists will be able to witness at first hand the destruction of peat to be replaced by vast quantities of polluting concrete. Ecologists will see huge quarries destroying wildlife habitats and massive turbines (nice twinkly lights on top) which thankfully locals will “just get used to” as with the telegraph poles.

The bird population is in danger as is human health but we must save the planet at all costs, and Shetland will be a shining example.

The tourists might not make it to Yell to see the splendours of the wind farms there.  It will no doubt be a great disappointment to them but the disruptive industrial traffic at the Kames would probably delay their journey for too long.

How exciting this great enterprise must be to these bright informed panellists – their insight has been truly staggering.

No one can say they haven’t got their finger on the pulse – Shetland tourism will be safe in their hands.

Evelyn Morrison
Setter
Weisdale

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.

 

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.