A wind farm project in the Hebridean islands is meeting opposition from a rather unusual source: environmentalists. More specifically conservationists are worried that the wind turbines could kill three golden eagles per year, due to birds colliding with the blades.

Proponents argue that after the first few years the number of deaths will drop. They reason that only birds whose ranges include (part of) the windfarm site are at risk. But conservationists argue that other birds will move into those ranges, without the current occupants to scare them off, making the windfarm a permanent hazard to the species.

There are also worries that the windfarm might contribute to the risk of peat slides. Which come after construction of a windfarm in Ireland was shown to have contributed to causing a peat slide there.

A firm debate between the benefits of a windfarm for green energy and economic development, and the damage it might do to the local wildlife and natural beauty will probably continue for some time. Until a decision is reached later this year.

Read more of this story from the BBC