Concerns over giving Comhairle more power 25/3/14

Sirs,

The devolving of power from the Scottish Government to the Islands sounds good in theory. However, I wonder if it comes about (and it looks increasingly likely), what it will mean in reality.

Given the constant economic concerns of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and the panacea of renewable energy (mostly windturbines) which is put forward as the answer, I am wondering if the islands and surrounding sea will become a vast windfarm.

It is my own view that the huge Ness-moor windfarm proposed a few years ago would have become a reality, despite the views of the local population being largely against it (measured by survey), if it had been down to the Comhairle only without resort to the Scottish Government.

Will the devolving of power and the potential Islands Act mean that control of so much is effectively handed over to just a few individuals in positions of authority who tend to have well-defined views already?

Is the Scottish Government looking for a scapegoat to pass unpopular measures, a mantle the Comhairle should be careful to adopt too readily.

Dr Ruth McKinlay

Ardhaven

Eorodale

Ness

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