Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.2°C   SSE Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / SNH not adhering to its own policies

Having visited Hermaness National Nature Reserve a couple of times this summer it was interesting to note Scottish Natural Heritage’s information notice as illustrated in the attached photograph.

They have rerouted visitors from the centre of the reserve to avoid disturbance to Schedule 1 nesting birds, in this instance mainly red throated divers.

You will see that they take pains to remind the general public that disturbance of Schedule 1 nesting birds is against the law and can incur a maximum fine of £5,000.

Absolutely the correct thing to do but it is in stark contrast to their positioning on the current site exploration being carried out by Scottish & Southern Energy in the central mainland.

I fail to see how they can not have a problem with some 30+ workers traversing the hills with diggers and drilling rigs, while a helicopter makes regular trips over the area ferrying men and delivering water scooped from the lochs to the drilling rigs for cooling.

Commencing this work in mid July is against the law, there is simply no way that disturbance will not have happened or be happening.

I would question what empirical data SNH used to establish the daily use of a helicopter as causing no problem to red-throated divers who would still have had unfledged chicks on the lochs.

If we look at SNH’s Guidance on The use of helicopters and aircraft in relation to disturbance risks to Schedule 1 & 1A raptors and wider Schedule 1 species June 2015, we will see no mention ofanything other than raptors.

Looking at these guidelines however I would suggest that SNH arecontravening their own policy by this blanket acceptance of SSE’s activities from mid July.

Delayingthis work until at least mid August would have been the most effective mitigation, can SSE andSNH explain why this was not possible?

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

SNH state that all diver sites were identified and 300 metre exclusion zones were to be adhered to but the question is, who makes sure this is happening and what about the whimbrel and merlin?

An ecological clerk of works employed by the developer is hardly impartial, and with one enforcement officer to deal with the whole of Shetland it certainly won’t be our planning department!

Also if SNH did identify all nesting divers will they be following that up to ascertain what breeding success has been achieved? This of course still leaves other species out of the equation!

While I recognise that SNH is ostensibly an advisory and not an active regulatory body, it is evident that they have become a rubber stamping organisation for the Scottish Government. As taxpayers we fund it but we do not get the prerequisite protection we deserve for our natural heritage.

Having said that however, I still have a degree of sympathy for officers at ground level whose hearts are undoubtedly in the right place but are hampered by the bureaucratic and politically controlled organisation they are employed by.

There is no effective regulation happening with these current exploratory works and this does not bode well for the future should this nonsensical project go ahead; which in my personal view is still very unlikely.

There is a political game being played out here and Shetland is the unfortunate playing field!

Billy Fox
Quarff

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.