News
November 07, 2025
‘Fundamental right’ for community to benefit from offshore wind development
THE SHETLAND community has a “fundamental right” to benefit from offshore wind developments in the waters around the isles, according to the council’s economic development manager. Tommy Coutts also said community benefit from offshore wind being targeted towards “larger-scale, long-term” projects – such as housing and transport connectivity – could deliver a lasting positive impact. Read more
**Shetland Islands Advocate for Community Benefits from Offshore Wind Power**
The Shetland community possesses a "fundamental right" to reap the rewards of offshore wind farms sprouting in the waters surrounding the isles, asserts Tommy Coutts, the council's economic development manager. This declaration underscores a growing sentiment that local communities, often bearing the brunt of the visual and environmental impact of such developments, should directly benefit from the burgeoning renewable energy sector.
Coutts emphasized that the community benefit derived from offshore wind projects should be strategically channeled towards "larger-scale, long-term" initiatives. This approach, he believes, holds the key to creating a lasting positive impact on the Shetland Islands. Rather than short-term handouts, Coutts envisions sustained investment in crucial infrastructure projects that will benefit generations to come.
Specifically, Coutts highlighted housing and transport connectivity as prime areas for investment. Addressing the housing shortage, a persistent issue in many remote island communities, could attract and retain residents, bolstering the local economy. Improved transport links, both within the islands and to the mainland, would enhance accessibility, facilitate trade, and improve the overall quality of life for islanders.
The call for substantial community benefits comes as several offshore wind projects are being planned or developed in the waters around Shetland. These projects represent a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation, but also raise concerns about potential environmental impacts and the visual intrusion on the island's landscape.
By advocating for a "fundamental right" to benefit, Coutts is pushing for a model where local communities are not merely passive observers of these developments, but active participants in shaping their future. The focus on long-term, strategic investments ensures that the benefits of offshore wind extend far beyond the immediate construction phase, creating a lasting legacy for the people of Shetland. This approach could serve as a blueprint for other coastal communities grappling with the opportunities and challenges presented by the expanding offshore wind industry.
The Shetland community possesses a "fundamental right" to reap the rewards of offshore wind farms sprouting in the waters surrounding the isles, asserts Tommy Coutts, the council's economic development manager. This declaration underscores a growing sentiment that local communities, often bearing the brunt of the visual and environmental impact of such developments, should directly benefit from the burgeoning renewable energy sector.
Coutts emphasized that the community benefit derived from offshore wind projects should be strategically channeled towards "larger-scale, long-term" initiatives. This approach, he believes, holds the key to creating a lasting positive impact on the Shetland Islands. Rather than short-term handouts, Coutts envisions sustained investment in crucial infrastructure projects that will benefit generations to come.
Specifically, Coutts highlighted housing and transport connectivity as prime areas for investment. Addressing the housing shortage, a persistent issue in many remote island communities, could attract and retain residents, bolstering the local economy. Improved transport links, both within the islands and to the mainland, would enhance accessibility, facilitate trade, and improve the overall quality of life for islanders.
The call for substantial community benefits comes as several offshore wind projects are being planned or developed in the waters around Shetland. These projects represent a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation, but also raise concerns about potential environmental impacts and the visual intrusion on the island's landscape.
By advocating for a "fundamental right" to benefit, Coutts is pushing for a model where local communities are not merely passive observers of these developments, but active participants in shaping their future. The focus on long-term, strategic investments ensures that the benefits of offshore wind extend far beyond the immediate construction phase, creating a lasting legacy for the people of Shetland. This approach could serve as a blueprint for other coastal communities grappling with the opportunities and challenges presented by the expanding offshore wind industry.
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Technology