大象传媒

Was very pleased to note that the Galson Trust managed to gain the sum total of money to acquire the Galson Estate. One of the parties involved is the John Muir Trust, well known for managing Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. JMT has put 拢10,000 towards the funds and will work with the Galson Trust to develop the estate.

It should be noted that the JMT is a leading opponent to the proposed windfarm for North Lewis; 70 of the 190 proposed turbines will stand on Galson Trust land, should the windfarm be built. The John Muir Trust has also stated that it will withdraw support, including money, from the Galson Trust if the windfarm is actually constructed.

A few weeks ago, a document was published by the Scottish Executive to the effect that marine renewable energy sources should be utilised, as well as those from wind. This is a development I applaud, but I am burying my head in my hands as it appears to be late, if not almost too late for the Arnish Fabrication Yard. At time of writing, an announcement is imminent on the future of said yard which is currently staffed by 2 people on a care-and-maintenance basis. Negotiations have been on-going between Camcal, the current operator, and a potential new operator. I sincerely hope this comes to a successful conclusion. Earlier this year, the Arnish Yard manufactured units for the Pelamis Wavepower generator units. These float on the surface of the sea, with the motion of the waves being used to generate power. The Pelamis units were for use in Portugal. If Arnish can stay open, they could yet become a centre for wave- and possibly tidal power generator units.