Pro-windfarm group set up to fight case for Viking Energy plan

A pro-windfarm group has been set up to argue the case for the Viking Energy plan to erect 150 huge turbines in the central and north Mainland of Shetland.

Those behind the new body, Windfarm Supporters, who include Chris Bunyan, Bobby Hunter, Harry Jamieson and John Sutherland, say they are independent of Viking but want to ensure the scheme remains in community control.

In a letter to The Shetland Times, signed by 32 people from many different parts of the isles, the group claims that until now opponents of the windfarm have “largely had the field to themselves – and many people believe important facts have become lost in misinformation and scare stories”.

“While some might still have concerns about aspects of the Viking Energy proposals that must be answered, Windfarm Supporters believe it is vital for Shetland’s future that the scheme is not lost or taken over by another company without community ownership and with less regard for local concerns. This might be our only chance.

“Shetland’s carbon footprint must be one of the highest in the country and Windfarm Supporters believe Shetland must play its part in combating climate change and exploit its natural resources, such as wind power, to help Scotland meet its energy targets.”

The letter goes on: “Without something like Viking Energy we will almost certainly see the steady decline in population as our young people are once again forced to leave the islands – just as happened before oil came to the islands.”