Iona Monastery Warns Massive Wind Farm Threatens Island Environment

IONA, SCOTLAND — Iona Monastery has appealed for public objections to a proposed offshore wind farm near Iona, Mull, and surrounding islands, warning that the development could affect marine ecosystems, wildlife, cultural heritage, and the spiritual character of the area.

In a video accompanying the appeal, Archimandrite Seraphim Aldea said the proposal calls for roughly 91 to 140 turbines, each about 340 meters (1,100 feet) high, across approximately 450 square kilometers (110,000 acres) of sea. The proposed development area would be about 51 times larger than the island of Iona itself.

Fr. Seraphim stressed that its opposition is not directed toward renewable energy generally. Instead, he argued that the particular project would cause unacceptable environmental and cultural damage while exporting the electricity generated rather than directly benefiting the island communities. The appeal also cited concerns about marine life and protected seabird populations.

According to the monastery, 92% of Iona residents have formally objected to the project while continuing to support the development of clean energy elsewhere. It urged residents, visitors, and people abroad who have connections to Iona and Mull to submit formal objections before the Aug. 15 deadline.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Athanasius visited Orthodox monasteries on Iona and Mull.