| Support & Opposition For Major Windfarms Equally Matched | 21 August 2006 |
 A public attitude survey commissioned by Western Isles Development Trust (WIDT), and undertaken by leading market researcher Ipsos MORI, shows support and opposition for the general principal of building major wind-farms on Lewis as being extremely even. In answer to the question: “To what extent do you support or oppose the general principal of building major wind-farms on Lewis?”, 41% of respondents said they strongly supported or tended to support, while 40% said they strongly opposed or tended to oppose. 19% had no opinions or neither supported nor opposed. The survey also proved a range of other interesting opinions: · 80% of those surveyed supported proposals to create a centre for the study, research and development of renewable energy in the Western Isles · 75% supported upgrading the link between the Western Isles and the National Grid. · Of those who supported the principle of building major wind-farms on Lewis the main reason they gave (45%) was that they generally supported wind energy / that it is a clean way to generate electricity. · Of those who oppose the principle of building major wind-farms on Lewis the main reason they gave for opposing (58%) was that the proposals would spoil the view / scenery. Commenting on the report Mr. Peter Carlin, Chairman of WIDT said, “This is an extremely important survey as it demonstrates that there is significant support in the wider community for the principle of building major wind-farms on Lewis. It would appear from this survey that opinion in the community both for and against wind-farms is very evenly matched. That places an onus on all of us to discuss and debate these issues in an open manner that is tolerant to everyone’s opinions. The challenge is to achieve the economic potential that the renewable industry offers, while safeguarding our environment.” On the actual contents of the report, Mr. Carlin said, “It is clear from the survey that the majority of respondents believe that wind-farms will benefit the economy and will bring jobs and significant community investment to the area. It is also gratifying to see the wider benefit of reducing pollution is an important consideration. What I did find surprising was that the main reason for opposing is the potential for spoiling the view (58%), whereas issues such as damage to plants and wetlands only lead to 15% opposing the proposals. Ends NOTE TO NEWSDESKS The survey was based on a survey of 601 residents of the Western Isles conducted by telephone between the 12 and 20th of May 2006. Calls were distributed among island groups in proportion to their populations as follows: Lewis 70%; Harris 8%; North Uist 6%; Benbecula 5%; South Uist 7% and Barra 4% As the results are based on a sample, results are subject to a sampling tolerance which Ipsos MORI place at plus or minus 4%. Western Isles Development Trust (WIDT) is a Company Limited by Guarantee, whose principal objectives revolve fostering development across the Western Isles. WIDT was established in 2004 and is comprised of representative from a range of bodies including Western Isles Association of Community Councils; the Hebridean Renewable Energy Partnership; the Scottish Crofters Foundation; the Community Planning Partnership and Comhairle nan Eilean. For additional information on WIDT and the survey, please contact: Calum Iain Maciver Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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