Massive message written on Findhorn Beach as protest begins over Moray FLOW-Park

Large numbers of people braved the elements this afternoon to make clear their objections to the proposed Moray FLOW-Park.

The protestors gathered on Findhorn beach and worked together for a couple hours to write the message ‘SAVE OUR SEA LIFE !!!’ in huge 60ft letters upon the sand.

Iain Findlay, who lives nearby in Burgie and organised the event, said: “The letters will be washed away with the next tide, but we’re trying to give the many, many people who are against this a chance to come together and make their feelings known”

The FLOW Park proposal, which only came to public attention three weeks ago, would see floating platforms built to store wind turbines before they are taken out to sea.

Covering an area the size of about 5600 football pitches it would be split into two zones. One off the coast of Nairn and the other between Findhorn and Burghead.

Offshore Solutions Group, a London-based company, has entered a two-year agreement with Crown Estate Scotland to carry out technical assessments and surveys of the zones, which at their closest to the shore come within a kilometre of Culbin Sands, a common gathering place for seals.

Looking out from Findhorn across towards the Black Isle, Iain said: “It's an iconic view – one of the best on the east coast. And what this company wants is to begin a 60-year industrialisation process which will completely wipe out the reason why lots of people come here to enjoy the place.

“What's going to happen to the people in Findhorn who over generations have built up their family business and rely on tourism.

“What's it going to do to Nairn and Burghead?

“They say it will bring jobs but they're actually going to destroy the jobs of people who live here. It doesn't seem right.”

Officers from Highland Council, which covers Nairn, reportedly only learned of the Moray FLOW-Park proposal through media posts.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Moray Council, which encompasses Findhorn and Burghead, stated it "has not taken part in any formal consultation process to date”.

Iain continued: “I'm a climate activist of 35 years. Sustainability is what I do for a living, so I am all for the green transition, but these people are making a complete mess of it and it's just shameful.

“They are also posing a potential threat to our sea life. The Moray Firth is home to the most northerly population of bottlenose dolphins in the world. We have to speak up and make sure they are protected properly.”

The ultimate decision on whether the Moray FLOW-Park proposal goes ahead will be made by Scottish Ministers with advice from a key regulatory agency, Marine Scotland.

A public meeting is currently being planned, with Forres Town Hall the likely venue, from 6pm on Tuesday, November 11.