In the wind turbine debate, who dares utter the B-word...

Or a slag heap. Like the one that caused the Aberfan disaster.

Like absent I find the turbines strangely beautiful. They provide a focal point in some otherwise bleak landscapes which are not 'natural' in northern Scotland but were in fact created by deforestation during the Napoleonic and First World Wars and then further blighted by the acres of regimented rows of one species of tree planted in the early days of the Forestry Commission. However, I do object to the scary, ugly giant pylons which really are horrible, as well as a health hazard and have campaigned for them to be undergrounded.

Living as I do in Central Scotland, I welcome the removal of the horrible grey black coal bings which used to despoil our beauty spots and coastline and regard a few pylons on the skyline as a very small price to pay if it means that men (and at one time women) no longer have to risk their lives in damp, dark, dangerous coal mines and pits to satisfy our ever increasing need for fuel and power. If you want to see a real blot on the landscape have a look at an opencast mine - I am very glad that these are also becoming a thing of the past.

I loathe the bloody things. They are a carbuncle on the landscape.

When we were in Palm Springs earlier in the year , there were row upon row of turbines . DH thought them good I am afraid I don"t share his view , they were just a blot on the landscape to me .

Bags It's a stunning sight – Greek windmills are astonshingly beautiful. [I'm going to be clobbered again emoticon]

Oh, do they? Takes all sorts.

Bags Yet people on holiday flock to the Lassithi Plateau on Crete to see its 1,000 windmills. Earlier technology but much the same thing. That's very impressive too.

I'd rather have radioactive nuclear waste stored in a bunker in my back garden.

People climb mountains in Scotland in order, among other things, to enjoy the beautiful wild views. Plonking huge wind turbines in wild places spoils the beauty. As someone else said: Putting windfarms in wild Scotland (the Monadhliath, for instance, which is proposed) would be like putting Tesco in the Grand Canyon. Outrage just doesn't even begin to say it.

The first time I saw a wind farm – at the top of a range of hills with no other signs of activity except grazing sheep – I found the sight majestic and impressive. I still don't understand why they inspire such hatred. (The efficiency/inefficiency factors are another matter.)

jings

Seems to be implying there is a choice between trees and wind farms. Doh. Perhaps he would like a nice coal fired power station down the road.

I also love trees - I am looking out of my window towards a wood which is filled with wonderful colours.

Some time ago I was having some work done in my garden when one of my neighbours across the road popped up and suggested I have the tree at the top of my drive cut down - I told him it was a perfectly healthy tree and whilst I didn't mind having it trimmed so as to not restrict the light to my next door neighbour's house I would not have it cut down. Not sure why he objected to the tree as it didn't drop leaves into his garden (unless the wind blew them there!)

"Trees also benefit from public affection"

I hugged a tree once. Turned round, tripped over a piece of discarded wire and fell flat on my face.

I still love trees.

Good article. Quite right. Once it's gone, it's gone.

But will they listen?