Highlands tourist chiefs back wind energy

Representatives from VisitScotland, the Highland Council and North Highlands Tourism told a community forum in Caithness that there is no evidence to suggest that wind farms are damaging to tourism in the region and that developments could attract people to the area.

Scott Armstrong, the regional director of VisitScotland, said: "There is no evidence that visitors are put off by wind farms but I think you have to strike the right balance.

"I would hate to see the whole of the Highlands covered in them and have sufficient trust in bodies such as the Highland Council - the planning authority - that they will make the right decision for their area."

Mr Armstrong said VisitScotland supports renewable energy.

Colin Simpson, the tourism co-ordinator for the Highland Council, did not see a threat to the industry from wind farms although he, too, stressed it is important to get the balance correct.

"There is no convincing evidence that wind farms will decimate the tourist industry. It will have some effect but if we get the balance right it will not suffer," he said.

Mr Simpson told the audience of around 40 people that 22 years ago there was concern about the impact fish farms would have on tourism, but they had had little or no effect.

"Sometimes people see these things as a bigger barrier than the visitors do," he stated.

Mr Simpson also pointed out that renewable energy would bring business people to the area which would help the local economy.

Jill McNicol, the marketing and membership manager of North Highland Tourism, said people are interested in green tourism and would embrace it.