Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
Existing Tourism Evidence and Surveys
15.4.26 A number of studies have been undertaken in order to determine the effect upon tourism and
recreation interests of the presence of a wind farm in an area.
15.4.27 The Scottish Government report ‘Economic Impacts of Wind Farms on Scottish Tourism’
(2008) is considered to be the most comprehensive and robust study into the potential effects
of wind farm developments on tourism. The study, which was based upon an extensive
literature review and survey of 380 people, found that there is no evidence to suggest that
wind farms have a serious negative economic effect on tourism. The key findings of the
survey were that:
• 75 % of people (285 out of 380 respondents) felt that wind farms have a positive or
neutral impact on the landscape;
• Those interviewed whose main activity was hiking or walking (70 out of 351
respondents) were more likely to feel that wind farms have a positive or neutral impact
on the landscape (81 %);
• 2 % of those interviewed who had seen a wind farm in the area (4 respondents out of
191 who had seen a wind farm) said that it would affect their decision to visit the area
again – two indicated that the likelihood would increase and two that the likelihood
would decrease. No one indicated that they would not return as a result of the wind
farm;
• After seeing a photomontage of a local wind farm before and after development, 3 %
of those interviewed (11 out of 379 respondents) said that it would affect their decision
to visit the area again.
15.4.28 VisitScotland’s ‘Wind Farm Consumer Research’ (2012) provides the most up to date study
into attitudes to wind farms and their effects on tourism. The study, which was based upon
interviews with 1,000 people from within Scotland and 2,000 people from within the UK, found
that for the majority of respondents (80 % of UK respondents and 83 % of Scottish
respondents) that the presence of a wind farm would not affect their decision about where to
stay when on holiday or on a short break. Other key findings of the study were that at
present, UK/Scotland consumers do not feel that wind farms spoil the look of the countryside,
with 81.4 % of UK respondents and 80.4 % of Scottish respondents claiming to disagree or
neither agree or disagree with the statement that wind farms spoil the look of the countryside.
15.4.29 VisitScotland’s report ‘Investigation into the Potential Impact of Wind Farms on Tourism in
Scotland’ (2002) focused upon the perceived impact of wind farms as a comparative visual
element in the countryside in ascertaining visitors’ views and the visual impact upon their
visitor experience. The research demonstrates that, in general, respondents have a more
positive than negative view towards the effects of wind farms on tourism. The majority of
those surveyed had a neutral view. Positive views included that wind farms can be an
attraction in themselves in the landscape if sensitively sited. They are perceived to have the
potential to attract new markets and those visitors attracted by “environmentally friendly”
energy and new technology. New wind farm developments were also identified as having the
potential to provide greater access to remote areas and have a positive effect on the local
economy. The main negative effect identified by respondents was the visual impact,
particularly in rural, undeveloped areas, which was recognised to be intrusive and therefore
detract from the visitor’s experience. Other negative effects included mental ‘barriers’ for the
March 2013 15-21 ES Chapter 15
Socio-Economics, Tourism, Land-Use and Recreation
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