RSPB SCOTLAND ALERT OVER HEBRIDEAN WINDFARM THREAT TO SEA EAGLES AND RED-THROATED DIVERS

Site of the proposed windfarm  near Stornoway  on the Isle of Lewis

A PROPOSED windfarm on the Isle of Lewis in the Outdoor Hebrides could take a serious toll on rare raptors and divers 

That is the fear of RSPB Scotland if a 33-turbine windfarm  near Stornoway goes ahead.

The charity is calling for the development to be reduced by at least six turbines to reduce "significant negative impacts" on important bird populations on Lewis.

It says the projections of the developers are that, over the 25-year life span of the windfarm, the fatality figures as a result of collisions with turbine blades will be as follows:

* 16 white-tailed eagles

* 12 red-throated divers, 

* 8 golden eagles

* 4  hen harriers 

Back in 2012, planning consent was granted for the project but, because of a delay in establishing a grid link to mainland Scotland, it has never been built.

However, with such a connection now likely to proceed, the developer has returned to the project, but with larger turbines - up to 180 metres in height -  with an increased development footprint.

RSPB Scotland points out that these numbers of collisions would have a significant impact on the size of future populations of all four of these species across Lewis.

In a statement, it says: "In addition to these predicted collisions with turbines, birds are also at risk from displacement and disturbance. 

"Several turbines are proposed close to the nesting and roosting areas of red-throated diver and hen harrier. 

"These species are sensitive to disturbance and usually nest and roost away from areas of human activity and development. 

"By placing turbines so close to breeding and roosting sites, these bird territories could be lost completely or birds attempting to nest would be disturbed which could result in nest abandonment." 

There are established guidelines for ‘disturbance free’ areas around nest sites of sensitive species, but RSPB Scotland is concerned that this guidance is not being followed by the developer, Lewis Wind Power - a joint venture between EDF and Scottish infrastructure company Wood plc.

The charity is particularly concerned about the effect on a  population of hen harriers that has established in the area since 2015 and now numbers approximately 10 pairs. 

In 2018, the remains of a dead golden eagle that had collided with the neighbouring Pentland Road Windfarm were found. 

And last year, white-tailed eagle was rescued near the same wind farm with severe injuries thought to have been caused by a turbine collision. This bird subsequently died in captivity due to the extent of its injuries. 

These two suspected eagle collisions were recorded  recorded just a few years into the operation of a windfarm with just six turbines.

Lewis Wind Power say that, if developed, the  project would benefit the community to the tune of £900,000 per annum in community grants plus as much as £1.3-million in rental income to local crofters and the Stornoway Trust.

The scheme is currently under consideration by planners at Comhairle nan Eilean Sar council.