Spittal Hill Windfarm - Letter of Support

Energy Consents Unit
The Scottish Executive
2nd Floor Meridian Court
5 Cadogan Street
GLASGOW G2 6AT

Dear Sir/Madam

I wish to register my support for the proposed Spittal Hill Windfarm development 13 km South-east of Thurso for the following reasons:

• There is growing scientific consensus that the current climate change is a human-induced problem with greenhouse gases, principally CO 2 , being the primary cause. This will cause sea level rise and could result in the extinction of up to a third of the Earth's species.
• Action must be taken NOW, not in five or ten year's time when the damage may be irreversible. Renewable Energy technology needs to be introduced as quickly as possible.
• Wind power is a proven and mature technology being used throughout the world. Wind turbines produce no CO 2 or other polluting gases, and the fuel, the wind, is free and replenishable.
• Caithness is one of Scotland's windiest counties and already has a Grid Network so no new pylon lines are needed.
• The site at Spittal Hill has an especially good wind resource, the most efficient classification possible, and is technically suitable for a highly productive windfarm. The 30 turbines, with a capacity of 75 MW would supply the annual needs of 42,000 households and save some 100,000 tonnes of CO 2 annually.
• Any impacts are hugely out-weighed by the benefits, and are short term, as turbines are easily removed at the end of their effective life.
• Both construction-specific and permanent jobs will be created within Highland Region. There will be considerable spin off for local businesses.
  

Yours faithfully,