Golden eagles spared wind farm threat

20/10/2009 14:48:30 Welcome decision on Stacain wind farm

October 2009. Scottish Ministers have refused the proposed 14 turbine Stacain wind farm near Inverary in Argyll and Bute due to the unacceptable potential effects on golden eagles, a decision very much welcomed by RSPB Scotland.

RSPB Scotland supports renewable energy projects where they will not have an adverse impact on wildlife and their habitats. However, this proposal had not been carefully sited and RSPB objected to the application as it would have seriously affected the viability of one of the most productive golden eagle territories in Scotland. RSPB Scotland submitted written objections and supported SNH in giving evidence at the public local inquiry held last year.

Proposal refused
Argyll and Bute Council were initially minded to approve the application, but due to the wider environmental implications, Scottish Ministers called-in the application for their own determination and have refused the proposal in line with the recommendations of the Scottish Government Reporter following the public local inquiry.

Andy Robinson, RSPB Scotland Conservation Officer for Argyll and Bute said: "We need more wind farms, but not at any cost to the natural environment. We are glad that a sensible decision has been made in relation to this wholly inappropriate and potentially damaging development. The decision confirms the importance of this area for golden eagles. We must deliver much needed renewable energy where it doesn't harm Scotland's most precious wildlife."