Monument to greed

This is an open letter to Scottish energy minister Jim Mather.

Dear Mr Mather,

I am writing to outline my total objection to the Viking Energy windfarm in Shetland; however I support the interconnector cable and associated infrastructure which is proposed to be laid between Shetland and mainland UK.

The interconnector would be useful for Shetland, and as a professional, fully-qualified person and Shetland crofter, I write to inform you the Viking project is a horrific project that disgusts me.

I believe it would bring nothing to Shetland and would destroy a unique ecosystem. An extraordinary habitat would be damaged and desecrated to allow Scotland as a nation to meet the renewable energy power generation targets set by ignorant, self-serving and scientifically illiterate politicians.

To grant this scheme would do nothing to pave the way for other renewable technologies which will in time harness the vast renewable energy resources present in the North Sea. In fact funds set aside for Viking would be wasted on already obsolete and inefficient technologies.

The vocal minority who oppose this proposal have shown great foresight in fighting the totally selfish argument of the pro-Viking lobby that argue to sacrifice the environment of Shetland for an avaricious, amoral, greedy cartel of island councillors and profiteers.

Shetland should be an example to the nation of how to forge a strong economy in these challenging economic times. If we want Scotland to be a renewable energy powerhouse, then we need areas such as Shetland to be at the forefront. After all, where will you find better tidal and wind resources than the Northern Isles of Scotland? However, intelligent science and environmental protection must be the primary motivation. Not the aspirations of the something for nothing culture of the Viking cabal.

I hope you will have the courage to help deliver a vibrant renewable industry for Scotland, and help deliver a renewable and prosperous future for our local island economy. The Viking Energy project is a monument to commercial greed; the proposal will hopefully be placed in the dustbin of history of Scotland.

Dr Ian Tinkler
(University of London,
Kings College)
Flawton,
Clousta.