An independent fish scientist has assured worried anglers their sport will be unaffected by a proposed wind farm development set to power 58,000 homes.

Fly fishing enthusiasts at Kype Angling Club have been told their concerns about shadow flicker, noise and vibration and possible water pollution are extremely unlikely.

Richard McMullan, a member of the Institute of Fisheries Management and the Society for the Environment, was called in by developer Banks Renewables to review the concerns raised.

He produced a detailed report suggesting the turbines would have no significant adverse effect on trout populations or angling amenity in Kype Reservoir, South Lanarkshire.


Mr McMullan said: "I have devoted my professional life to protecting Scotland's fish stocks and helping them to flourish. Having reviewed this situation in detail, I am confident the proposed wind farm at Kype Muir would have no adverse effect on the health and numbers of the stocked fish in Kype Reservoir or the native species in the tributaries that adjoin the reservoir. Nor is there any other evidence to suggest that members of the club will not be able to carry on enjoying their pastime."

The club of 50 anglers, founded in 1983, opposed plans for a farm of 26 132-metre tall turbines.

Phil Dyke, development director at Hamilton-based Banks Renewables said: "If our project is approved, the wind farm will be here for more than 25 years and we want to be part of the fabric of the local community. The angling club will be one of our closest neighbours and we hope this report will allay their concerns."

To find out more, see www.ecofishconsultants.co.uk.

(NE/GK)