Something new in the wind
Has our view been desecrated?
Judging by the emotions they seem to stir up with
some people, we should be livid, writing to the papers, selling our home and
demanding action from our MSP, the First Minister, the Prime Minister and the
Queen.
Whisper it. We can see wind turbines - err, sorry, "wind factories" (as opponents attempt to style them) - out of our windows. Aaaaaaargh! Shock! Horror! Jings! The Glens of Foudland wind farm and Mackies turbine at Rothienorman are desecrating the northern outlook of our house just outside Kintore.
Actually, far from being angry, we are rather excited. Indeed when we first spotted the Mackie's turbine the binoculars were fetched so we could watch it majestically twirl, magically producing energy to make ice cream! We now look north to see which of the giant Glens of Foudland windmills are turning as the early summer sun sets behind them.
The Glens of Foudland wind farm
I have walked around giant turbines as sheep placidly munched the grass. I have stood directly beneath the blades as they whizzed through the air above with a gentle, but powerful swoosh. I have even stood inside the wind turbine towers and marvelled at the almost total lack of any mechanical noise.
Apologies to those who seem determined to whip up a frenzy of anger, but I like them.
• They are simply harnessing the wind in the way that it has been for thousands of years by ancient windmills, but more efficiently than ever.
• They make use of a free, totally clean resource that otherwise goes to waste.
• They are reducing our squandering of finite fossil fuels.
• Scotland has the worst levels of carbon dioxide emissions per head in the UK – wind energy can only make us better.
• They are in their own way quite pleasing to look at.
• If we'd get off our backsides, stop whingeing and embrace the revolution, there's billions of dollars to be made in the global renewables industry and North-east energy business could and should be at the forefront.
As long as our planners make sure they are sited in a working rural landscape, where they do not impact on unspoilt and particularly scenic locations, I welcome them. And, yes, I would like one in our own back garden!
Whisper it. We can see wind turbines - err, sorry, "wind factories" (as opponents attempt to style them) - out of our windows. Aaaaaaargh! Shock! Horror! Jings! The Glens of Foudland wind farm and Mackies turbine at Rothienorman are desecrating the northern outlook of our house just outside Kintore.
Actually, far from being angry, we are rather excited. Indeed when we first spotted the Mackie's turbine the binoculars were fetched so we could watch it majestically twirl, magically producing energy to make ice cream! We now look north to see which of the giant Glens of Foudland windmills are turning as the early summer sun sets behind them.
The Glens of Foudland wind farm
I have walked around giant turbines as sheep placidly munched the grass. I have stood directly beneath the blades as they whizzed through the air above with a gentle, but powerful swoosh. I have even stood inside the wind turbine towers and marvelled at the almost total lack of any mechanical noise.
Apologies to those who seem determined to whip up a frenzy of anger, but I like them.
• They are simply harnessing the wind in the way that it has been for thousands of years by ancient windmills, but more efficiently than ever.
• They make use of a free, totally clean resource that otherwise goes to waste.
• They are reducing our squandering of finite fossil fuels.
• Scotland has the worst levels of carbon dioxide emissions per head in the UK – wind energy can only make us better.
• They are in their own way quite pleasing to look at.
• If we'd get off our backsides, stop whingeing and embrace the revolution, there's billions of dollars to be made in the global renewables industry and North-east energy business could and should be at the forefront.
As long as our planners make sure they are sited in a working rural landscape, where they do not impact on unspoilt and particularly scenic locations, I welcome them. And, yes, I would like one in our own back garden!
Posted: Fri - May 20, 2005 at 10:03 AM
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Published On: Apr 07, 2007 12:06 PM
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Published On: Apr 07, 2007 12:06 PM