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Crofters' legal vow on wind farm | |
(1 day later) | |
Crofters have vowed to take legal action in their fight against a 176-turbine wind farm on Lewis. | Crofters have vowed to take legal action in their fight against a 176-turbine wind farm on Lewis. |
More than 700 tenants on two estates have signed a petition opposing any land being taken out of crofting tenure for the Lewis Wind Power (LWP) project. | |
Crofters said they had notified the Scottish Land Court of their stance. | |
LWP - a joint venture between Amec and British Energy - said in a statement it "understood and respected" the rights of crofting communities. | LWP - a joint venture between Amec and British Energy - said in a statement it "understood and respected" the rights of crofting communities. |
Crofters on the Barvas and Galson estates have written to the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (Seerad) declaring their intention to oppose the £500m project. | |
Their neighbours on the Cross Skigersta fishermen's holdings were backing their fight, said the crofters. | Their neighbours on the Cross Skigersta fishermen's holdings were backing their fight, said the crofters. |
Final decision | Final decision |
Opponents warn of long-term environmental damage while supporters point to economic benefits, including more than 400 jobs during construction. | Opponents warn of long-term environmental damage while supporters point to economic benefits, including more than 400 jobs during construction. |
In February, councillors on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) voted by 18 to eight to support the plan. | In February, councillors on Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) voted by 18 to eight to support the plan. |
The comhairle's backing was given on condition that five turbines were removed from the 181 LWP project proposed for the site on Barvas Moor. | The comhairle's backing was given on condition that five turbines were removed from the 181 LWP project proposed for the site on Barvas Moor. |
The final decision on the planning application rests with the Scottish Executive. | The final decision on the planning application rests with the Scottish Executive. |
Amec said it had "no issue" with all crofters, supporting or opposing, or having their views heard at the Scottish Land Court. | Amec said it had "no issue" with all crofters, supporting or opposing, or having their views heard at the Scottish Land Court. |
The Scottish Land Court has authority to resolve a range of disputes, including disputes between landlords and tenants, in agriculture and crofting. | The Scottish Land Court has authority to resolve a range of disputes, including disputes between landlords and tenants, in agriculture and crofting. |
The court is based in Edinburgh, but holds hearings throughout Scotland. | The court is based in Edinburgh, but holds hearings throughout Scotland. |
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