Berwick Bank windfarm, which is predicted to kill tens of thousands of seabirds, has been awarded public subsidy.

Harry Huyton, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre, responds to news that windfarm predicted to kill tens of thousands of seabirds, Berwick Bank, has been awarded public subsidy.

“According to its own environmental impact assessments, Berwick Bank looks set to have a devastating impact on seabirds. Awarding a long-term public subsidy to it puts both nature at risk, and the reputation of an industry that should be supporting environmental progress rather than undermining it.

“Scotland is globally important for seabirds, and the Berwick Bank area is rich with wildlife and an important foraging ground for seabirds that are already on the brink. Poorly located developments on this scale risk pushing vulnerable species even closer to collapse. Climate action that undermines nature recovery is not progress; it’s a failure to deliver on Scotland and the UK’s own commitments.

“We want to see a thriving offshore wind industry that is helping Scotland meet its climate goals and build a green economy, but it must be developed in harmony with nature. There is no shortage of sites for lower impact offshore windfarms that should be prioritised over damaging developments like Berwick Bank."

Harry Huyton, CEO Scottish Seabird Centre

ENDS

For further press information:

· Jess Thompson, Marketing and Communications Manager, email jesst@seabird.org, tel: +44(0)1620 890202.