DUMFRIESSHIRE MP and MSP, David and Oliver Mundell, have reiterated their strong opposition to the controversial proposed Scoop Hill windfarm development near Moffat.
And David Mundell visited a special exhibition in Moffat Town Hall, staged by campaign group Save Our Hills Moffat, where he met activists and joined local residents in viewing informative displays and visual presentations.
He said afterwards: “The proposed development would see the building of the tallest wind turbines in the UK, ranging from 180m to 250m in height, and would have a significant and very damaging effect on the character of the surrounding area.
“It’s true that the proposed wind farm could make a contribution to the local economy and there’s also the prospect of ongoing ‘community benefit’ payments, but at the end of the day the damage to the natural heritage of the area is just too great to justify allowing the development to go ahead.
“There are already a thousand wind turbines across Annandale, and, in the interests of the local landscape and protecting the area’s amenity for residents and visitors, we do not need another 75 large turbines built on Moffat’s doorstep.
“That’s why I’m backing the Save Our Hills Moffat campaign and opposing the Scoop Hill development.”
His son, Oliver, is also backing the campaign against the proposed development outlined in detail at last weekend’s event.
The constituency MSP said: “If this is given the green light, it would see a further 22 square miles of scenic hill areas in Annandale covered with wind turbines. There is no way that a development on that scale could be anything other than damaging to the environment and ultimately to the vital Upper Annandale tourism economy, no matter what other incentives are on offer.
“The campaign against these damaging proposals has my full support in helping protect our communities.”
