Wind farm public inquiry opens in Stornoway 13/5/08
A public inquiry into the controversial Eisgein giant wind farm on Lewis started today (Tues) and is now expected to last two weeks.
The Scottish Government has stalled the building of 53 of the world's largest turbines by Beinn Mhòr Power (BMP) on the privately-owned Eisgein Estate on Lewis until the inquiry is finished.
Government planners are concerned over conflicts between the wind farm’s close proximity to a National Scenic Area (NSA) and the socio-economic benefits.
In Stornoway today, inquiry reporter Janet McNair heard that opposing views over the strength of the Western Isles economy in exchanges peppered by occasional spats and disputes over data.
Developer's witness Prof Euan Mackay said that the islands housing building boom could actually be a symptom of an unhealthy economy if the properties were holiday homes though he agreed it the houses could be for permanent residents.
The hearing was told that there is no absolute guarantee that the towers would be built at the local Arnish yard and objectors stressed that the scheme would not create as many jobs as promised.
Economics professor Andrew Bain for the John Muir Trust argued that national target for renewable energy can be easily attained without wind farms in National Scenic Areas.
He questioned if site workers would actually boost the Lochs population but prefer to live in Stornoway instead citing the example of the Storlann Gaelic centre ironically set up by Brian Wilson, a former energy minister, which recently relocated to the town for the convenience of its staff.
A spin-off to the massive scheme would be free sites for a high profile community windfarm but it was highlighted that villagers needed £ 12 million to buy the turbines.
In any case about a third of its revenue, equivalent from two generators, would be handed over to a development trust led by Western Isles Council.
A large sub sea power cable is required to export any energy from the island with Denis Donoghue of Hall Aitken, for the developer, insisting that "the only way, in a plausible timescale, a interconnector could come is though a substantial onshore wind development.”
