Dogmatic aims and objectives

Like James Mackenzie (“What a Difference”, Readers’ Views, 7th May) I was inspired by the Cradle to Cradle Islands Conference and although I agree with much of his letter I think it is important, in the spirit of Søren Hermansen’s talk, to add:

(i) It is Samsø’s connection to the Danish National Grid that makes a self-sufficient renewable energy system possible.

(ii) The ratio between population and wind turbines is similar to that proposed for Shetland (Samsø 4,000 population to 21 turbines).

(iii) The Samsø energy plan relies on the sale of electricity for the development of their carbon free community.

(iv) Samsø’s tourist industry and employment opportunities have benefited significantly from the development.

I agree it is tragic that our community is divided by a windfarm but would remind James that Sustainable Shetland’s aims and objectives (to oppose the Viking Energy windfarm proposal and any subsequent large-scale proposals that would necessitate an interconnector cable and export of electricity outwith Shetland) are dogmatic and does not fit well with Søren Hermansen’s philosophy, nor allow us to benefit from Samsø’s inspiration.

Richard Gibson
Lerwick.