Election letters 2019 / Wholly unacceptable project for Shetland
Response to Dave Hammond (Where do candidates stand on Viking and other onshore wind farm developments? SN, 2 August 2019)
My position on Viking remains largely unchanged from my council election manifesto published in April 2012.
The information regarding the project gathered in the intervening years, particularly when I sat as a Shetland Charitable Trust trustee, did little to allay my concerns.
Its primary purpose is to make money for a large multinational. Its green credentials, community benefits, employment, and a host of other claims associated with the project are a smokescreen.
The huge amount of debate which has taken place, and the manifestly legitimate concerns which many have raised, including the questions which Mr Hammond poses, have no easy answers now.
They should have been addressed before consent was given by powers remote from Shetland, with little interest in the practical impact on our place and people.
If elected, I would use whatever opportunities arose to oppose the development. I believe this is a wholly unacceptable project for Shetland.
Michael Stout
Quendale
Independent candidate in the Shetland by-election
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.