‘We need to stop and consider’

Is Shetland unique?

Yes.

“If Shetland was in the Thames estuary it would all be designated SSSI,” (a Site of Special Scientific Interest). So said Dr Mike Richardson, Burra and Antarctica , 1985.

So the wildlife is special, but what about the landscape?

The profile of glacier smoothed hills above the coastal crofts and farms is unlike any other place in Britain.

This combination of islands stretching 60 miles at 60’N has become world renowned and brings thousands of visitors every year. Humans and birds. This depends on an unspoilt landscape and a delicate balance of nature which we value and should foster.

SSE

The prospect of generation of energy from the wind around Shetland exists and we have one large wind farm now, with its associated converter station and cables connecting with the national grid.

Most of the transmission is below ground with the exception of a double line of wires on poles through the Tingwall valley linking Kergord with Lerwick. This is now acknowledged by SSE and all of us to have created an eyesore which we must not repeat.

What happens to this Viking energy? Is it being well used?  Answer must be no, as the ability to transmit the electricity to the South through Scotland does not exist and it will be years before it can be.

So why is SSE coming now with plans (made with a map and a school ruler) to impose their network over Shetland when it will be many years before any more electricity generated here can be transmitted south? Is there a financial benefit to SSE?

A moratorium now.

Surely we need to stop and consider:

1. Will it be feasible to transmit more electricity south from Shetland?
2. Can this be done securely at a commercial cost?
3. If further development is agreed, can it be done without ruining the landscape and wildlife of our islands?
4. What can our SIC leaders do?  Does the law need changing to protect us from widespread energy exploitation? We did it for oil with the ZCC (1974) Act. The SIC (2026) Act?

John Scott
Bressay

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