Speaking after the Scottish Government refused the application to develop the Lewis Wind Farm, STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:
“The STUC is very disappointed by this decision. The consequences will be most keenly felt by those on the islands who would have benefited from the employment opportunities created by this development.
“The STUC was impressed by the diligent work undertaken by the developers to ensure that the economic and employment benefits to the Western Isles were maximised. The local enterprise company, the Stornoway Trust and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are united in the belief that no other industrial sector offers comparable opportunities to the islands.
“It is now incumbent on Scottish Ministers to explain just how they plan to develop the wind and other renewable industries in Scotland’s most fragile rural economies. Provision of the supporting infrastructure is expensive and projects of scale are necessary to justify investment.
“The STUC has raised serious concerns about the Scottish Government’s energy policy which we do not believe will address the three imperatives of security of supply, climate change and economic development. Our concerns are substantially exacerbated by this decision”. ENDS
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