One is concern over the adequacy of the flood alleviation scheme. The other is anxiety about the proposed huge expansion of wind farms in the area. These seem to me to be linked.

Have the flood alleviation scheme calculations taken into account the peat/mud erosion which could be caused by shifting large quantities of peat – particularly on the Dava Moor? The peat acts as a sponge, absorbing rainfall, and if this is replaced by concrete, could this not result in run-off water changing the volume and course of water joining the River Findhorn?

I fear this may cause flooding to both Forres and especially to Findhorn.

In 2002, a severe peat/mud slide occurred in County Galway as a result of constructing the concrete platforms for wind turbines on peat.

Although, thankfully, no lives were lost, the damage was considerable: fish downstream both in a fish farm and wild in the river were poisoned, and pasture was rendered unsuitable for livestock. Eventually the council who gave permission for the wind farm to be built were given a hefty fine by the European Commission for having been negligent.

While I am fully aware that Scotland needs a good supply of electricity, would we, in building so many turbines on unstable peat land, perhaps be creating an extensive flooding problem in the future?

I will certainly be writing both to Scottish Natural Heritage and to SEPA in Inverness to raise my concerns with them, before the deadline on November 24. – Yours etc,

SHEILA PHELVIN, 79 Drumduan Park, Forres.

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