Wider impacts
Visual
As well as the overwhelming effect of siting a large number of the largest turbines in the world in close proximity to West Side villages, there would be few places in Lewis where turbines would not dominate: the Stornoway wind farm would be visible from Uig, the West Side and Harris; the Druim Leathann wind farm from Ness, the West Side and Point; the Uisenis wind farm from Tolsta, Point and Harris*. The Northland turbines would also be visible from most of Lewis. As well as the day and night-time effects of the turbines with their flashing red lights, the substations are likely to be lit day and night.
Effect on ecological health
Noise from industrial wind turbines is associated with adverse health effects in humans*. The installation of offshore wind turbines can alter the behaviour of fish and marine mammals (eg cetaceans), and also has a negative impact on seabed health (particularly during the construction phase)*. The ‘infrasonic thump’ generated by offshore turbines has the potential to interfere with the navigational cues of migratory birds and baleen whales*.
Effect on communities
The last census for which we have results (2011) showed a population increase of 6% for Lewis, and 3.5% for Barvas Parish, the area which would suffer the most adverse impacts from N4*. We believe that imposing a massive industrial development without consent will result in an exodus of people, particularly young people, from the West Side villages, causing depopulation.
Effect on Gaelic
Barvas Parish has the highest percentage (64.1%) of Gaelic speakers in the Outer Hebrides*, and therefore of anywhere in the world. The Gaelic people of Scotland have been disempowered, and their land and natural resources exploited by others, for hundreds of years. This development continues the pattern of forced ‘improvement’ on Gaelic communities without consultation or consent. A loss of population from the West Side would deal a further blow to the Gaelic language.
Effect on Tourism
Total tourist spend in the Outer Hebrides in 2017 was £65 million. 74% of tourists visited Lewis, with the top attractions (Calanais, Butt of Lewis, Gearranan and Carloway broch) all on the West Side and Ness, and the top activity being ‘beaches and coastal scenery’. ‘Scenery and landscape’ was the key reason for 71% of visits.* The North Lewis Visitor Survey, conducted in response to the Amec windfarm proposal, found that 90% of visitors to north west Lewis were opposed to large scale industrial wind farms in the area at that time. We believe that a high percentage of tourists would choose to go elsewhere if these developments go ahead, resulting in a drop in income for many islanders.
Environmental effects
Wind turbines contain large amounts of oil, and require regular maintenance. Maintenance may be difficult over much of the year in the stormy seas off the Hebridean West Coast, resulting in a risk of oil leaks along with the risk of the chemicals (eg BPA) on turbines leaching into the ocean*. The long-term effects of disturbance, noise, vibration, and collision on marine/avian life are unknown, with some researchers highlighting the threat offshore wind farms pose to sound-sensitive species*.