A TALK on the campaign to stop the controversial Berwick Bank offshore wind farm from being built is scheduled to take place next week.
The public meeting, followed by a question-and-answer session, will be hosted by the Scottish Seabird Centre on Monday, giving the community the latest update on the campaign and ways that people can get involved.
The proposed development, sited about 20 miles off East Lothian, has faced criticism from the North Berwick-based charity's experts, who say that it poses a threat to "internationally important" seabird populations.
So far, more than 12,000 people have written to the Government and the site's operators, SSE, to object to the plans.
Fanny Royanez, policy and campaigns officer at the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: "We've been blown away by the support for our 'Cancel Berwick Bank' campaign.
"We strongly believe that offshore wind can play a big role in tackling the climate crisis and building a clean, green industry in Scotland.
"But it must be developed in harmony with nature.
"Berwick Bank is predicted to be one of the deadliest windfarms in the world for birds. It’s projected to kill thousands of seabirds every year, adding further pressure onto Scotland's already declining seabird colonies.
"Green energy is essential to tackle the climate crisis, but it must be developed in harmony with nature, not against it.
"Many of our supporters have contacted us to find out more about the development. That's why we’re hosting this informal community event: to talk more about the project and why we are objecting to it; detail some of the predicted impacts; and provide ideas about what the next steps might be."
The event, open to all, will review the campaign so far, explore some of the impacts of the development and brainstorm ideas about potential next steps.
The Bass Rock is home to thousands of puffins, razorbills and guillemots, as well as the world's largest colony of northern gannets.
The new offshore wind farm received approval from the Scottish Government last July.
If built, 307 turbines will aim to deliver 4.1 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, which is believed to be enough to power every home in Scotland twice over and about 17 per cent of the homes in the UK.
In doing so, the development could become the world's largest offshore wind farm.
Before the project is built, the Scottish Government has said that a suitable plan must be in place to compensate for its impacts on wildlife.
Campaigners say it is vital that a plan is in place before construction begins to ensure Scotland’s renewable future does not come at the expense of its globally important seabird populations.
SSE has previously said that it respects concerns but "the biggest threat to Scotland’s seabirds is climate change, and Berwick Bank will help tackle this by displacing over eight million tonnes of carbon emissions each year". The company has committed to "working constructively with stakeholders to deliver measures intended to fully compensate for the development’s predicted impacts, and deliver for both the climate and our iconic seabirds”.
Doors will open at the free event at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start; although the event is now sold out ahead of schedule.
Share