The case against Dorenell - see what the experts say
Landscape
- "Dorenell will contribute to the cumulative impact of all wind farms in the North and North-east of Scotland" – Infinergy report
Who pays for Doronell?
- You do! Through electricity bills. Wind costs more than double other fuel
- Dorenell will not directly supply local homes.
- Wind farm rates go to the Scottish Government not Moray Council.
Wildlife
- The area could be prime golden eagle breeding territory, but they fail to breed because of disturbance or persecution – Scottish Natural Heritage. ( See Alma)
Questions of Money and Morals
- Should The Scottish Government be "rewarding" a controversial multi-millionaire land owner with an estimated £21 million – the amount the estate will get if it approves Dorenell
- There are more than 50 derelict cottages on the estate. In 1999 the RSPB named it the worst for wildlife crime in Scotland. The estate has refused to sell ground for the local graveyard. Will a wind farm change things?
Planning
- Dorenell is miles outside Moray Council’s preferred areas for wind farms.
- Is contrary to the Structure Plan policies, and 2008 Adopted Local Plan policies – notably E1 (Natura 2000 sites) and E7 (Areas of Great Landscape Value)
- Fails to meet four out of five of the council’s own criteria for wind farm development
- Is not supported by National Planning Policy
The effects on tourism and local industry
- Visitors will relocate to non-wind farm areas – Glasgow Caledonian University tourism report for the Scottish Government 2008.
- Visitor losses will cost the Dufftown, Glenlivet and Tomintoul area an estimated £1million a year in lost income – SoS Moray.
- The international success of Speyside brands –whisky, food, textiles – is directly linked to the image of Moray, its environment, geography and culture – Stevens Associates, Tourism consultants 2008.
- Wildlife tourists and walkers won't come back, say 2 different surveys - a cash loss to the Moray Local Economy.
- Infinergy, in their written statement say, "…….the site lies within an area where tourism is significant and a major driver of local economies."
Did you know?
- Dutch owned Infinergy and the Estate will share an estimated £525 Million over 25 years in public subsidy payments.
- Electricity sales will bring in another estimated £16.8 Million.
- Moray already contributes 18% of Scotland's renewable wind power.
- Another 8 wind farms are proposed in the vicinity.
- A new Strathbogie - Cabrach walking and riding trail is planned through the area
- The developer has given no guarantee of local jobs.
Alma The Eagle
- In July 2007 a Golden Eagle chick, named Alma, was tagged with a satellite transmitter on the Glenfeshie Estate in the Cairngorms National Park. She has travelled far and wide since the, but her regular haunts include Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and the Ladder Hills.
- You can follow Alma's travels here.
- Found POISONED, in Angus, July 2009.
