The organiser of a public meeting against a controversial offshore windfarm proposal has cancelled the event following complaints from MSP Alasdair Allan who was wrongly associated with the event.
Posters promoting the forum gave Mr Allan and councillor John Norman Macleod top billing.
But the pair were in the dark over the forum which was advertised to take place in Barvas this (Monday) evening.
The pair made no such arrangements for Monday and will not be present, far less host, at the event it was emphasised.
The meeting is now cancelled following a delayed response from the organiser who does not appear to have provided an explanation for the confusion.
Concern and controversy is growing locally over plans to build a large windfarm close to the Westside coast. Sixty huge turbines would be positioned on the inside of a designated shipping traffic lane, creating a skyline blight to villages Loch Roag and Barvas.
Supporters point to the expectation of jobs and economic benefits from the scheme by Canadian developer, Northland.
News of the supposed meeting in Barvas bewildered the MSP when word filtered through of a campaigner -
Marketing materials and social media announcements give the wrong impression Mr Allan and Cllr Macleod are behind the meeting said the MSP.
The pair made no such arrangements for Monday and will not be present, far less host, at the event it has been emphasised.
Councillors and the MSP are keen to see a properly arranged public meeting on the proposed development, to provide residents with more information about the proposed development.
Scottish Government through its Marine Scotland agency will make the final decision over planning permission though the comhairle is an important consultee under its local planning remit.
Alasdair Allan addressed the confusing situation of why the advertised key note speakers will be absent from the public meeting.
He said: “I’m aware that posters and leaflets are going around the West Side and Ness that suggest myself and Cllr John Norman Macleod (Corrags) are hosting a public meeting on Monday night.
“Since neither of us are attending any meeting that evening, this came as something of a surprise.”
Mr Allan went on to explain how a constituent recently got in touch with his office to request an in-
“I try to be as accessible as possible so was happy to agree and suggested a time and date.
“This individual used that time to book a hall and a public meeting was then advertised -
“We asked things like what would be discussed at the meeting, who was being invited, who would chair it, if this was being organised on a community group, all without getting any kind of answer.”
The MSP continued: “I have made it clear I can’t go and have asked the individual in question to withdraw the leaflets and posters that suggest I am.
“However, this is not something I have any control over.
“I’m concerned that residents are being invited to a meeting which doesn’t seem to be real, and has certainly not been organised by either myself or the area’s councillors.”
Alasdair Allan said recognised a “variety of local concerns” have emerged in the district regarding the the offshore wind proposals through ScotWind
He said: “While this project is at a very early stage of development, I have been in discussions with An Taobh Siar agus Nis councillors about what we can do to get answers to the many questions residents will have.
“We are looking to bring Marine Scotland, who are the planning authority for offshore developments, up for a series of information sessions and public meetings in due course.
“However, that is not taking place on Monday so please disregard anything you see that suggests it is.
“I will be Bragar and Arnol on Monday afternoon and I’m happy to meet with anyone who wants to raise an issue with me. Please email alasdair.allan.msp@parliament.scot or phone my office on 01851 700357 to arrange an appointment.”
While it is the free choice for any local government councillor to attend any public meeting, siding for or against a development project in advance risks them being excluded from the debate including casting a vote when the proposal goes to the full council at the planning permission stage.
The wind farm meeting that never was is cancelled
4 July 2022
Posters wrongly suggested the MP and local councillor were associated with the meeting
