Our response to the proposed MachairWind offshore development

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has issued its response to the Scottish Government Marine Directorate on the proposal of a MachairWind offshore development on the west coast of Scotland. 

Our response states that the current proposal would have a significant adverse impact on the settings of Iona Abbey and the associated monastic settlement. These effects would be contrary to Policy 7(c) and (h) of National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and policy GEN 6 of Scotland’s National Marine Plan (NMP). We also considered the proposals in accordance with the Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) and relevant national guidance on Managing Change in the Historic Environment, which is available on our website.  

These national policies help to protect Scotland’s historic environment by requiring decision-makers to consider potential impacts on heritage assets and their settings when assessing development proposals. Because the proposal was contrary to these policies, we have objected to the proposal. 

HES’s role as a statutory consultee on any such development proposal is restricted to commenting on historic environment matters with any application considered on its own merits and in accordance with Scottish Government policy. Scottish Ministers will make a decision on the proposed development when they have considered all the information submitted. 

Read the full response. 

Notes to editors 

Policy 7(c) of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) requires that development proposals affecting the setting of a listed building should preserve its character and special architectural or historic interest. Policy 7(h) requires significant adverse impacts on the integrity of the setting of scheduled monuments to be avoided. 

Policy GEN 6 of Scotland’s National Marine Plan (NMP) requires the settings of designated heritage assets to be appropriately protected.  

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.

More about our communications office

Keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases

For further information, please contact:

Historic Environment Scotland Communications Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot