OBJECT NOW!!

Stop the developers attempt to side swipe Seabird Compensation Plan and push through plans for worlds biggest windfarm.

Info on why and how to object in 4 simple steps.

Background: Scottish Government Approved Berwick Bank with caveat that the developers (SSE) submit a ‘suitable’ Seabird Compensation Plan.(SCP)

This was to ‘compensate’ for the 4000 endangered seabirds that Berwick Bank could kill in first year due to displacement and blade strike.

As it is likely impossible to compensate for that number of endangered seabirds - SSE have submitted a request to ‘vary’ the project and split into phases - which effectively makes it easier for them to have the SCP passed.

OUR GOAL IS THAT THIS IS REFUSED OR THAT THERE IS A PUBLIC ENQUIRY

OBJECTIONS TO THIS VARIATION ARE DUE BY 18TH JUNE - TO THE MARINE DIRECTORATE (We have entered the full Public Notice below)

Why Object?

Here are some reasons we believe this should not be approved (other than the fact its a cunning plan to sidestep the issues!)

  • The Environmental Impact Assessment is no longer valid

  • The reports and data models are no longer valid

  • The Seabird Compensation Plan needs to be looked at in its entirety - not in phases. The cumulative impact is important (to prevent displacement).

  • The project was consented as an integrated whole - not in phases

  • Conditions were imposed holistically - so needs to be readdressed

  • Cumulative impacts may no longer be properly controlled.

  • Seabird and marine ecology concerns

  • Weakening of original safeguards

  • Inadequate public consultation

How to Object

First of all - remember that this is based on process and policy - so focus on this, rather than any thoughts on windfarms!

  1. Write to the Marine Directorate at this email address: md.marinerenewables@gov.scot by 18th June (there is also a postal address below if preferred)

  2. Use the sample letter below as an example

  3. Whilst general sentiment is still worthwhile - using the ‘why object’ examples above hold more weight

  4. Representations should be dated and should clearly state the name (in block capitals) and the full return email or postal address of those making representation.

Simple example wording (please personalise)

“I object to the proposed phasing variation for the Berwick Bank wind farm.

I am concerned that splitting the project into phases reduces proper scrutiny of the full environmental and cumulative impacts, particularly for seabirds and the marine environment.

The project should continue to be assessed as a whole, not in separate stages.

Furthermore, I believe X, Y, Z (this is your chance to personalise)

I request that the variation application is refused, or that a full reassessment/public inquiry is carried out before any decision is made.”

This is the PUBLIC NOTICE. We found it almost impossible to find a link to it - and note the lack of information in locations likely to be highly affected! Again - developer box ticking tactics.

ELECTRICITY ACT 1989 THE ELECTRICITY GENERATING STATIONS (APPLICATIONS FOR VARIATION OF CONSENT) (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2013 MARINE (SCOTLAND) ACT 2010 MARINE AND COASTAL ACCESS ACT 2009

Notice is hereby given that Berwick Bank Wind Farm Limited, registered under company registration SC721781 at Inveralmond House, 200 Dunkeld Road, Perth, Scotland, PH1 3AQ, has applied to the Scottish Ministers to vary the consent granted under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 on 31 July 2025 to construct and operate offshore generating station known as Berwick Bank Wind Farm and the associated marine licences granted on 31 July 2025 under section 65 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and section 20 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 to construct the offshore generating station (MS-00010189), offshore transmission infrastructure (part 1) (MS-00010190) and offshore transmission infrastructure (part 2) (MS-00010191).

The applications made under section 36C of the Electricity Act 1989, section 72 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and section 30 of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 seek to vary the aforementioned consents and licences to allow for discharge of conditions for each proposed phase of development of Berwick Bank Wind Farm, rather than in relation to the development as a whole, as is required by the existing consent and licence condition wording and also to correct discrepancies in the co-ordinates included in the offshore transmission infrastructure (part 1) and offshore transmission infrastructure (part 2) licences.

The variation applications and supporting information are available for inspection, free of charge, during normal office hours at: • Angus Council – Orchardbank Business Park, Orchardbank, Forfar, Angus, DD8 1AN (Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm). • Dunbar Library, Bleachingfield Community Centre, Dunbar, EH42 1DX (Open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 9am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm). • Dundee City Council – Dundee House, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 1QE (Open Monday, to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm and Wednesday, 9.30am – 5pm). • East Linton Library – 60A High Street, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3BX. (Opening Monday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm and Tuesday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm). • Fife Council – Methil Customer Service Centre and Library, Wellesey Road, Methil, Fife, KY8 3PA (Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 5pm and Wednesday, 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 5pm). • Scottish Borders Council Headquarters – Newtown St. Boswells, Melrose, TD6 0SA (Open Monday to Thursday, 8am – 5pm, Friday, 8am – 4pm and Saturday, 9am – 12pm).

The variation applications and supporting information are available for review on the following websites: - marine.gov.scot 1 - https://www.berwickbank.com

Any representations should be made in writing by email to MD.MarineRenewables@gov.scot or by post to Marine Directorate - Licensing Operations Team, Scottish Government, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB, identifying the proposal and specifying grounds for objection or support, not later than 18 June 2026 although the Scottish Ministers may consider representations received after this date.

Representations should be dated and should clearly state the name (in block capitals) and the full return email or postal address of those making representation. Where the Scottish Ministers decide to exercise their discretion to do so the Scottish Ministers shall cause a Public Local Inquiry (PLI) to be held. Following receipt of all views and representations, the Scottish Ministers will determine the application for consent to be varied in one of two ways: • Consent to the variation application, with or without conditions attached; or • Reject the variation application. And in respect of the marine licence variation applications: • Vary the marine licences with or without conditions attached; or • Refuse the marine licence variation applications. Fair Processing Notice MD-LOT determines applications for marine licences under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, the Marine and Coastal Act 2009 and section 36 consents under The Electricity Act 1989. During the consultation process any person having an interest in the outcome of the application may make a representation to MD-LOT. The representation may contain personal information, for example a name or address. This representation will only be used for the purpose of determining an application and will be stored securely in the Scottish Government’s official corporate record. Representations will be shared with the applicant and/or agent acting on behalf of the applicant, any people or organisations that we consult in relation to the application, the Directorate of Planning and Environmental

Appeals should the Scottish Ministers call a PLI and, where necessary, be published online, however personal information will be removed before sharing or publishing. A full privacy notice can be found at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/marine-licensing-and consenting-privacy-notice/. If you are unable to access this, or you have any queries or concerns about how your personal information will be handled, contact MD-LOT at: md.marinerenewables@gov.scot or Marine Directorate - Licensing Operations Team, Scottish Government, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB.