RSPB Scotland and other nature charities have urged First Minister John Swinney to reverse a consent decision for SSE’s 4100MW Berwick Bank offshore wind farm.
The conservation groups have jointly written to the Holyrood leader warning of “severe” and “damaging” impacts to Scottish seabird populations if the project is constructed.
“(We) urge your government to reverse this damaging decision and protect the future of Scotland’s internationally important seabirds,” they stated.
“While we continue to support the growth of offshore wind in Scotland, it cannot be at any cost,” said the groups, which comprise RSPB Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society, Scottish Wildlife Trust, National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Seabird Centre.
“(Berwick Bank) is proposed in vital feeding grounds for seabirds from iconic sites like the Bass Rock, the Isle of May and St Abb’s Head. Its impacts are so severe, it could fast track species like Kittiwake to local, or even national, extinction.”
The Scottish government granted planning approval to Berwick Bank in July this year.
The decision was accompanied by an order for the developer to provide a “detailed seabird compensation plan outlining how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated for”.
However, RSPB Scotland believes it would be “impossible” to compensate for the “unprecedented ecological devastation” it says development of the project would cause.
An SSE spokesperson said: “We understand and respect people’s concerns about seabirds at Berwick Bank.
“The biggest threat to Scotland’s seabirds is climate change, and Berwick Bank will help tackle this by displacing over eight million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
“With consent now granted after a decade of meticulous planning and sensitive design, we’re committed to working constructively with stakeholders to deliver measures intended to fully compensate for the development’s predicted impacts, and deliver for both the climate and our iconic seabirds.”
A Scottish government spokesperson said: “We recognise that the area is highly important for wildlife which is why the wind farm is subject to the developer, SSE Renewables, producing a detailed seabird compensation plan for approval by Scottish Ministers before any construction or operational activity can begin.
“We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation, to minimise the impact of the development on the marine environment and other marine users and to balance the needs of people and nature.”