RSPB Scotland has expressed concern over the Scottish Government’s proposed expansion of offshore wind capacity to 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2040, citing potential risks to seabird populations already under pressure from environmental threats.
The conservation group said seabirds in Scotland are facing “sharp declines,” with approximately 70% of species threatened by factors including climate change, overfishing and invasive species.
The Scottish Government’s plan would quadruple current offshore wind capacity, a move RSPB Scotland warned could accelerate population loss in vulnerable species such as puffins, kittiwakes and gannets. The charity described the expansion as lacking adequate measures to protect wildlife.
“Offshore wind must work with nature, not against it,” said Andrew Tait, senior marine conservation planner at RSPB Scotland. “The question is: does the Scottish Government want to preside over the biggest decline in seabird populations in generations, or is it serious about its pledge to put nature at the heart of climate action?”
In particular, RSPB Scotland pointed to the proposed 4.1GW Berwick Bank wind farm off the coast of East Lothian, which it said could be “particularly devastating” due to its proximity to critical seabird feeding areas. The group has called for consent for the project to be refused.
The organisation stressed it is not opposed to offshore wind development in principle, but supports projects only when they are “carefully designed and sited to minimise harm to wildlife.”
RSPB Scotland is urging the public to take part in two ongoing government consultations related to offshore wind policy and marine planning. It has also launched a campaign encouraging citizens to directly appeal to ministers for stronger seabird protections before further development proceeds.
A Scottish Government spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
