Responding to the results of the MORI poll on windfarms, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Chairman of Sustainable Development, Cllr. Archie Campbell, said:

“The debate surrounding the proposed windfarm schemes has been polarised with views strongly put on both sides.  This professional piece of research now confirms that support of, and opposition to, the proposals is evenly matched throughout the islands.  This runs contrary to the assertion that a large majority is opposed to the proposed windfarms.  We now know that a significant proportion of our residents support the schemes for the positive socioeconomic impact they will make in the islands.  Interestingly, the research reveals that there is strong support for a Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy in the islands and confirms that 56% of respondents were unaware that the local electricity grid is at capacity and cannot receive connections from community windfarms without an upgraded connection to the mainland grid.  The question of whether to support these windfarms revolves around the balance between their environmental impact and their potential to provide real socioeconomic benefits which will reverse the fortunes of the island economy.  Ipsos MORI’s research shows us that island residents are engaging with this question in a common sense way and are able to make an objective assessment of the situation, regardless of some of the highly charged rhetoric which surrounds the debate”.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk