We are all individual, but for some who never leave the comfort zone their
concept of place and perspective is completely different to some who prefer
and who enjoy being in the outdoor environment and in the more remote areas
of Shetland, places such as the hills and lochs of Scallafield.
There are bound to be differences of opinion for that very reason alone and
for some it matters not one jot if the whole of Shetland was covered in a
turbine forest as far as the eye can see, just as long as it can be seen as
potential for financial gain at any cost.
For individuals who do not find recreation in these kinds of remote areas
can we say that out of sight is out of mind? If that is Shetland’s case
then it becomes an even greater tragedy and one of blind ignorance from
grey men in grey suits surrounded by grey concrete.
I would urge these individuals who are able to do so to walk into the hills
and view the scene from the top of Scallafield and perhaps try to
understand the loss that will be experienced by people who have an affinity
with Shetland’s natural landscape and heritage.
The land and the landscape is deep rooted in the psyche. To drastically
alter or change such a fundamental thing will induce a mental conflict with
great sadness and tragedy for Shetlanders like myself. Nothing could be
more painful than to watch helpless as blanket bog, heather and moorland
fall before the bulldozers and metal monsters.
When the Viking Energy project was first mooted it was presented as a green
project to help save the planet. Now it has grown fat on broken promises to
mutate its true form, a subsidy derived money machine full of new uncertain
promises to feed the gluttonous system and damn the consequences to either
people or the environment.
Meanwhile we fight among ourselves while Viking Energy dangles gold carrots
before greedy eyes and drooling mouths. For those who accept that, take
time to reflect if you have a conscience that you have sacrificed both
people, birds and wildlife for the sake of blood money.
Shetland Charitable Trust millions have been earmarked for the project and
who knows at the end how much will be sucked from the cash cow before
completion.
In short it is one extreme high-risk venture and could bankrupt Shetland.
With a shift in governmental policy regarding wind-power subsidy we may be
left with a colossal white elephant and environmental disaster rusting in
the hills.
This project is all about making money, not saving the planet, and the
green spin that has accompanied this development from day one is a disgrace
and a slur on the intelligence of all Shetlanders.
All blanket bog is protected by legislation and destruction on the proposed
scale for this colossal windfarm brings the question of negative carbon
saving during its projected life.
No matter how the so called experts onboard try to spin the figures on
carbon payback and benefit to the environment.
The industrialisation of vast areas of blanket bog is slowly being
recognised as one of mans greatest follies in the battle against global
warming.
If the destructive windfarm is built, then for me they will have removed
the desire to go and walk among these once peaceful hills and lochs they
will have removed the choice that I once had.
They will have sanctioned the death of Shetland’s landscape. They will have
placed in the midst of nature an unrelenting and hellish noise from
grotesque man-made structures that have no place here and that is what I
believe to be so tragic.
Ask yourself a question: if this vast and expensive project running into
billions does not reduce fossil fuel usage and help prevent global warming
then why are we doing it? If all the natural world had a choice what would
they tell you? Mankind – the destructive force and the insatiable greed for
gold.
Robert Sandison
Tripwell,
Whalsay.
0 Comments