IF THE future for renewable energy development in Scotland is dependent on "a number of major projects currently in the pipeline to get up and running as soon as possible", according to Richard Yemm of Ocean Power Delivery (November 16), why are wind farm projects threatening local communities and scenery throughout Scotland?

Why, if we only need a few major projects, are local authorities faced with "a deluge of planning applications" (to quote from the recent Scottish parliament debate) which, if approved, would far exceed the number of turbines needed to meet government policy objectives for renewables.

The absurdity of the present situation was recently illustrated in Kinross where a public inquiry has been investigating the proposed erection of three monster turbines - at 118 metres, as high as the Forth Bridge.

The remit for this inquiry ignored the fact that at least six different projects, involving potentially well over 100 turbines 120 metres high, are in various stages of preparation for the nearby Ochil hills.

In Germany, research is under way into 160-metre turbines. Such turbines may well be appropriate in industrial locations or well offshore. In reality, however, the greed of the renewables industry, combined with complete indifference and lack of any form of strategic planning by the Scottish Executive, means that giant turbines may soon overshadow us all.

It is the biggest threat to the scenery of Scotland for generations. If the renewables industry is to progress and to retain any level of public support, it needs to agree with the rest of society exactly where wind turbines are appropriate, in what numbers, to what height and with what form of local community benefit. Otherwise they will find relentless opposition to one planning application after another.

Dave Morris, director, Ramblers’ Association Scotland