26 November 2009

Mike Robb, the Labour Party candidate for Inverness Nairn Badenoch and Strathspey, went walking with local environmental campaigners around the Dava and Lochindorb, to see for himself where controversial Wind Farm developments are being proposed .

Mr Robb – accompanied by his wife, Gwen - later met other campaigners for soup and coffee at the Heather Centre, and listened to their concerns about the Wind Farm plans.

Speaking after his Windfarm Walk, Mr Robb said:

"I’m committed to strong and radical action to tackle climate change.

"I am also of the view that land based wind generation has an important role to play in the renewable energy mix.

"Inevitably, that will mean difficult decisions need to be made about where to locate such developments. "

"What really struck me today, however, was the cumulative impact of so many of these developments across such a stunning landscape.

"It’s not just the turbine’s themselves, but the access roads and pylons which will also be needed.

"We need to be very sure that such industrial-scale developments will deliver real renewable benefits.

"Our unique mountain landscapes should not be compromised for only short-term gain."

"I‘d like to see just as much funding and resources going into programmes to encourage saving energy and reducing demand at community level as we spend subsidising land owners and energy companies to develop these big schemes."

"For example, I hope the design of the new Aviemore Primary School takes every opportunity to ensure it’s an energy-efficient, sustainable building, right from the start."

"There is no doubt this will be a big question in the coming election campaign.

"There isn’t an easy answer, but I am determined to make sure I really understand the issues here in the Strath."