Ministers to decide in eagles versus turbines row

RSPB says planned argyll windfarm danger to birds

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The fate of a windfarm which wildlife experts say could have a devastating impact on one of the most important golden eagle territories in Scotland now lies in the hands of Scottish Government ministers.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) have given evidence at a public local inquiry opposing the proposed 14 turbine windfarm at Stacain, near Dalmally, in Argyll.

Argyll and Bute Council approved the application by Wind Prospect Stacain Ltd, against the recommendations of planning officers.

Now ministers will study the results of the inquiry, held in the George Hotel, Inveraray, overseen by Scottish Government Reporter David Russell, and determine whether the proposal will go ahead.

RSPB Scotland believes the area is entirely inappropriate for a windfarm, and ministers should reject the application. The importance of the area for golden eagles is such that it is almost certain to soon be proposed for designation as a Special Protection Area (SPA). If this goes ahead it will then be strictly protected under Scots and European law.

Aedán Smith, head of planning and development at RSPB Scotland, said: “Carefully sited windfarms pose little threat to Scotland's birds. However, this proposal has not been carefully sited. It would seriously affect the viability of one of the most important golden eagle territories in a wider locality that is hugely valuable for golden eagles. What's more, this area is so important that it is soon likely to become legally protected."