Windfarm construction in Scotland has increased with
government support for renewable energy in reducing
reliance on fossil fuels and their environmental
impact. However, communities and conservation groups
have debated the appropriateness of wind power to do
this. This thesis assesses the scope of public
perception and participation within wind farm
development. In summary individuals and groups were
found to justify their opinions for or against wind
power using a number of arguments although their
attitudes were frequently driven by aesthetic
considerations of contemporary land use. The most
notable example of this was landscape quality and
its related influence on house prices. Thus,
acceptability of wind power changed from site to
site depending on the local land use context and
perceived socio-economic impacts or benefits.
Environmental expert perceptions held that public
attitudes towards wind power were more negative and
self-interested than was the case when public
participation was sought. Fundamentally, public
attitudes became positive with traditional designs
or as familiarity with the standard industry
approaches increases.
government support for renewable energy in reducing
reliance on fossil fuels and their environmental
impact. However, communities and conservation groups
have debated the appropriateness of wind power to do
this. This thesis assesses the scope of public
perception and participation within wind farm
development. In summary individuals and groups were
found to justify their opinions for or against wind
power using a number of arguments although their
attitudes were frequently driven by aesthetic
considerations of contemporary land use. The most
notable example of this was landscape quality and
its related influence on house prices. Thus,
acceptability of wind power changed from site to
site depending on the local land use context and
perceived socio-economic impacts or benefits.
Environmental expert perceptions held that public
attitudes towards wind power were more negative and
self-interested than was the case when public
participation was sought. Fundamentally, public
attitudes became positive with traditional designs
or as familiarity with the standard industry
approaches increases.