Hebridean Horizon: ‘Say no to Machair Wind’ Campaign Udate

We didnt quite make the 5,000 objections through ObjectNow - the public consultation closed on 15 August, with 4,819 objections submitted through ObjectNow alone. But this is still a fantastic result. The total number, including objections sent directly to the Marine Directorate, is not yet known and may take several months to confirm. Thank you to everyone who helped by signing the petition and  raising awareness in many other ways. Although it is no longer possible to submit an objection, the petition will continue. The number of supporters is growing steadily, currently at 9517 and we think it will make the magic 10,000 number soon.

The number and quality of objections from major organisations and statutory consultees is now available on the Hebridean Horizon website.  In a short timescale, these organisations and individuals scrutinised thousands of pages of ScottishPower Renewables’ Environmental Impact Assessment and provided well-founded concerns and evidence about the potential impact of the proposed MachairWind development.

What happens next? The Marine Directorate is expected to take at least a year to respond to the public consultation. It will assess the representations received as part of its consideration of the MachairWind application. ScottishPower Renewables will then have an opportunity to respond, and the Directorate may request further information or clarification as the application progresses. 

How can you help? Your help is still vital, especially if you can find the time to write to the key decision makers. Contact details for these and the other ways to keep objecting are on the Hebridean Horizon website: www.hebrideanhorizon.co.uk/how-to-object/

· Write to Argyll and Bute Council, including officers, ward councillors and councillors on the Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee. The Council will soon submit its representation to the Marine Directorate.

· Write to the Scottish Government Ministers Responsible for Energy Policy & Decisions

· Write to the MP & MSP for Argyll and Bute

· Get in touch with Hebridean Horizon if you have professional expertise or specialist knowledge which could influence Scottish Ministers, policymakers and other key decision-makers.

· Register for updates of new blogs on the website 

· Give your views on social media

· Spread the word by encouraging others to engage with Hebridean Horizon and the “No to MachairWind” campaign.

· Keep in touch at info@hebrideanhorizon.co.uk

Best Wishes

Hebridean Horizon Team