RSPB offshore battle nears end

RSPB Scotland is close to dropping a legal challenge that seeks to overturn consent for 2.1GW of Scottish offshore wind.

The bird charity’s director Anne McCall said “it does look like” the case “has reached the end of the road”.

McCall, writing in today’s Times newspaper, said RSPB Scotland was “hugely disappointed” when its bid to secure a Supreme Court hearing in London was ruled out last month.

An appeal to Europe has been under consideration, it is understood.

“We have invested more than ten years, and hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of time and constructive commitment to the offshore sector to try and secure the best possible outcome for Scotland,” she said.

“Even though we knew the chances of success were slim, with so much at stake, we had to give it our best shot.”

Its case was against planning permission for Mainstream Renewable Power’s 450MW Neart na Gaoithe, Red Rock Power’s 600MW Inch Cape and SSE/Fluor’s 1050MW Seagreen projects.

McCall also said the organisation will continue to work with the sector during the next leasing round for offshore wind that is expected to begin next year.

“Getting it right, for everyone’s sake, has never been more important,” she said. 

“Neither the RSPB nor our members will be intimidated by any developer who threatens wildlife, birds and habitats, whether that is a renewable energy company, construction supply chain or Donald Trump building a damaging golf course on a formerly pristine part of the Aberdeenshire coast.”

Image: Crown Estate