Re: Cuan - a brief summary for those not familiar with the area
Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 3:57 pm
Nick wrote:.
The red herring is the idea that a causeway will bring the added benefit of tidal power generation - that will definitely not happen if the causeway is built in the next few years, for reasons I gave in that post. The idea is being suggested to put a positive spin on the causeway concept.
Luing is an island with some 180 inhabitants, currently served by a ferry across Cuan Sound to Seil, an island which has been connected to the mainland for over 200 years. Just over half of the inhabitants of Luing are in favour of a fixed link to Seil, so it is for the benefit of maybe 100 people who would prefer a fixed link to the current car ferry. (Others think it will destroy a way of life). The council would also prefer a fixed link as they don't like supporting the ferry. Like most councils thier budget is somewhat straightened though.
The channel is used by thousands of vessels every year, including the local fishing fleet. A detour of up to ten miles wold be involved involved if the channel was closed.
A high level bridge is the obvious solution, but there is no money for it. The council thinks the causeway will be cheap, but they are probably mistaken. Before this major tidal channel is blocked serious studies will have to be done to make sure that local commmunities on the East side of Seil are not subject to flooding. I think it is unlikely that it is going to happen. Wildlife pressure groups will also be digging their heels in.
That's it in a nutshell I think. Oh yes, and Claymore wants it filled in because he finds it tricky to navigate.
There's a good article on the ForArgyll website HERE
No, no, no. Red herring - hit by a turbine, see?
As I say, I do know the area, been through the sound in a RIB and a 38ft yacht. Been to seil and dived off Insh Island many times too.
What I was hinting at is that it seems, in my opinion, to be a lot of expense for just a small number of people. It's not as if a road link will bring tourist pounds to the island, is it? No disrespect to the populace.
I've no doubt that electricity generation could be viable but, recalling the sound, I guess it would need to be properly surveyed? In Ramsey Sound near us, they've spent three years surveying and looking at the best way to do that, not just build a road and chuck a few windmills in for good luck.