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Developer poised to make millions from Bandirran Wind Farm, but there are serious wildlife concerns!

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Banks Renewables, the proponents of a wind farm with massive turbines (132 metre tip height) that will threaten the historic landscape of the Sidlaw hills (which includes Macbeth’s Castle) have recently claimed the wind farm will enhance wildlife.

SOSCampaign on Facebook
SOSCampaign on Facebook
The Braes of the Carse Conservation Group (BCCG) disputes this and has serious concerns about the impact the proposed wind farm would have on wildlife (local and migratory).  According to a spokesperson for the BCCG’s ‘Save Our Sidlaws’ (SOS) Campaign:

“If Banks really cared about wildlife, they would not be proposing to build a wind farm on such an unsuitable site.  No assessment by consultants employed by wind farm speculators ever admits to significant damage to the local environment, for obvious reasons.

Wind turbines are industrial machines the construction and operation of which destroys habitats and wildlife.  Wind farms are known to kill, injure, stress and drive away not just bats and birds, but bees, badgers and other wildlife.  Humans can’t cope with prolonged exposure to the vibration, noise and light disturbances of turbines.  To suggest that animals and insects, with their greater atmospheric sensitivity, will thrive on a wind farm site is frankly ludicrous!”

As part of the planning process Perth and Kinross Council’s own Biodiversity Officer has commented that:

• The proposed development will inevitably disturb and displace some birds during the construction phase of the development and there may be some collision risk during the operation of the wind farm.
• Surveys found evidence of 3 different species of bats roosting within the site. The survey identified bat roosts of Common Pipistrelle Bats and Soprano Pipistrelle Bats in buildings at Franklyden which is situated in the middle of the turbine array.  The locations of turbines in relation to identified bat roosts indicates that not enough consideration has been given to European Protected Species in the design of the proposed wind farm.
• Both are European Protected Species, are on the Scottish Biodiversity List and are also included in the Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan where avoidance of any negative impact is a major consideration.

The BCCG questions the methodology and validity of the survey method used by Banks Renewables to prepare the sections of the Environmental Statement that relate to ecology and nature conservation, and to ornithology, and is currently preparing a statement that will highlight the areas of concern.

Turbines of this size can be audible from up to 5 kilometres away.  The unspoilt views of  this historic landscape from Macbeth’s Castle, and from other parts of the Sidlaw range, will be blighted forever if Perth and Kinross Council, backed by the Scottish Government, give the go ahead to the development.  It is estimated that, with subsidies, the turbines will gross around £168 million for the backers over a 25 year life span – little wonder then that they can offer local people financial incentives not to object, as has already been reported in a local newspaper.

For more information on the SOS campaign, and how you can help to stop this Wind Farm, go to http://www.braesofthecarse.org/bandirran-wind-farm or join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSidlaws

ENDS

ABOUT THE SAVE OUR SIDLAWS (SOS) CAMPAIGN

The Save Our Sidlaws (SOS) Campaign is organised by the Braes of the Carse Conservation Group (BCCG) in conjunction with other local groups from the various local communities affected, both in Perthshire and across the River Tay in Fife.

The BCCG, which represents the local communities and other interested parties, was formed to conserve the unique beauty and character of the Braes of the Carse, part of the Sidlaw Hills.  We wish to protect the heritage, environment and communities by sharing information on proposed developments and conservation matters.  We comment formally to Perth and Kinross Council on long term structure plans for the areas and on major or controversial developments.  Our Committee has representatives from each of the major hamlets/villages in the area.
The BCCG has developed links with other local groups such as Inchture Community Council, the Carse of Gowrie Group and the Historic Orchard Forum.

For more information on the SOS campaign and the BCCG visit http://www.braesofthecarse.org/ or http://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSidlaws

ABOUT DUNSINANE HILL FORT

Dunsinane Hill is known as one of Perthshire’s most charismatic hill forts.  It is bursting with history and atmosphere and makes for a superb short walk.
Dunsinane Hill is part of the Sidlaw range and rises to a height of 1,012 ft (308 m) several miles north east of Perth.  As the name suggests, Dunsinane (Dun being the Gaelic word for a fortress or castle) was the site of an Iron Age Hill fort and walkers approaching the summit walk over ramps and ditches constructed thousands of years ago to improve the defensive capability of the site.  These early military defences are most clearly seen when viewed from Black Hill, the next hill to the east and a great spot from which to marvel at the ingenuity of our forbearers.

In more recent times Dunsinane Hill Fort has become known locally as Macbeth’s Castle, made famous in the 16th century by playwright William Shakespeare with these immortal lines from Macbeth.  “Macbeth shall never vanquished be, until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill Shall come against him.”
Shakespeare researched his material carefully and on a clear day you can see the woods around Birnam from the top of Dunsinane.

Further information on Dunsinane Hill and other walks in the area is available from the Perth VisitScotland Information Centre.

Media Contact
Braes of the Carse Conservation Group
+44 7720166675, +44 1828 686816
***@braesofthecarse.org

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/12285357/1


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