Letters

Scotsman

Visitor Martin O’gorman (Letters, 29 July) writes admiringly of the Isle of Man’s unspoiled landscape and absence of wind turbines – and indeed, many of us here on the island deeply value that same beauty, but I must gently correct the impression tranquillity is guaranteed. Communities in the south of the island are now fighting to prevent the industrialisation of some of our last remaining peatlands, upland habitats and wild open spaces.

A 185-metre-tall wind farm – known as Cair Vie (ironically, “Fair Wind” in Manx Gaelic) – is proposed by the Manx Utilities Authority for the very hills above our peaceful villages. These are areas of immense cultural, ecological and historical significance, where hen harriers and other vulnerable species breed undisturbed.

Our community is working to protect this fragile biosphere from poorly sited industrial developments that threaten the very ecosystems we must preserve if climate action is to mean anything. Peatland is not wasteland – it stores vast amounts of carbon and supports rare biodiversity. Once

damaged, it cannot be restored overnight.

We are immensely grateful to visitors who appreciate our stunning landscape – but please know that its beauty endures not by accident, but via constant vigilance and community resolve. As custodians of this landscape, we all have a responsibility to defend it for future generations. We send solidarity to all in Scotland facing similar battles, may you endure, as we will.

Kirrie Jenkins Ballagreney, Colby, Isle of Man