Last year we blogged about the Court’s decision here to overturn Scottish Ministers' consent for four offshore wind farms off the east coast of Scotland and explained why we felt that the risk posed to thousands of seabirds every year from these projects was just too great. With reluctance, it left us with no option but to challenge the decision through the courts.

The Court’s decision has been appealed by Scottish Ministers and on the 16th of February the hearing for that appeal starts. RSPB Scotland will, once again, be at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Climate change is a major threat to birds and wildlife and RSPB Scotland is therefore a major supporter of renewable energy, including offshore renewables. When good projects come forward that do not threaten wildlife, we are happy to support them, such as this recent innovative proposal for floating wind. However, developments must be sited to minimise impacts on the natural environment. Last year we also launched the results of a major research project which showed how Scotland and the UK could tackle climate change whilst minimising impacts on nature.

RSPB Scotland will continue to firmly support well sited renewable projects but we will also stand up for nature when projects pose major threats to Scotland’s wildlife.