1. Of the four features screened in, two were considered within the MSS strategic level report ( Table 5.295   Open ▸ ). Of these, the adjusted increase in baseline mortality was under the 0.95% threshold for both species ( Table 5.295   Open ▸ ). Therefore, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for pink-footed goose and redshank.
  2. For the remaining two species (eider and lapwing), lengths of migration fronts derived from the BTO SOSS Migration data for each species within the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA and Ramsar site are shown in Table 5.296   Open ▸ . The footprint length for species migrating from Scandinavia was 40 km and for Iceland 32 km. Scottish-specific data are missing for these two species, with data availability limitations likely to be the reason they were not considered in the MSS strategic level report. Assuming uniform migratory distributions and a 98% avoidance rate (as used within the MSS strategic level report), the proportion of the population considered vulnerable to collision was considered low, with well under 1% of the population of any feature considered vulnerable to collision (maximum 0.15% for eider and lapwing). Based on this low proportion being vulnerable to collision, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development both alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for eider and lapwing.

Site conclusion

  1. In conclusion, with reference to the conservation objectives set for the features of this site, it can be concluded that there is no potential for an Adverse Effect on Integrity on the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA and Ramsar site. This finding is in relation to potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development in any or all phases, acting alone and or in-combination for migratory collision and barrier effects.

 

Table 5.295:
Qualifying Features of the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA and Ythan Estuary and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.295: Qualifying Features of the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA and Ythan Estuary and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

* Redshank is presented as separate lines for subspecies as associated seasons (breeding or passage) as presented within the MSS strategic level report. Separate population sizes for redshank for the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA and Ramsar site are not available therefore the SPA population counts are presented. Passage population data is available in appendix 3A.

 

Table 5.296:
Qualifying features of the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA, Ythan Estuary and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site Not Included in the MSS Strategic Level Report. Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.296: Qualifying features of the Ythan Estuary, Sand of Forvie and Meikle Loch SPA, Ythan Estuary and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site Not Included in the MSS Strategic Level Report. Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

 

5.8.9.    Cameron Reservoir SPA and Ramsar Site (inland waterbody)

European site information and conservation objectives

  1. Cameron Reservoir SPA and Ramsar site are located in the region of 56.29°N, 2.85 W and comprises an area of 63.18 km2. The two designations are significantly overlapped and are considered together. The area qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of waterbird species as detailed below.
  2. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink SPA Citation UK9004131) are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–           Population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–           Distribution of the species within site;

–           Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

–           Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

–           No significant disturbance of the species.

  1. The Proposed Development does not overlap with the Cameron Reservoir SPA and Ramsar site, so potential impacts on its qualifying features will only occur as a result of individuals from the SPA occurring in the area (or vicinity) of the Proposed Development.
  2. Consequently, the focus of the assessment for this SPA and Ramsar site population is concerned with the conservation objective to maintain or restore the populations of each qualifying feature. The other conservation objectives either apply to the site itself, and not to areas beyond the boundary, or are encompassed by the assessment of this conservation objective.
  3. Further information on this European site is presented in appendix 3A.
  4. The potential for LSE has been identified in relation to one of one qualifying features for this SPA and Ramsar site.
Project alone and in-combination: operation and maintenance
Migratory collision risk
  1. A single species was screened in (pink-footed goose), which was considered within the MSS strategic level report ( Table 5.297   Open ▸ ). The adjusted increase in baseline mortality was under the 0.95% threshold for this species ( Table 5.297   Open ▸ ). Therefore, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Cameron Reservoir SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for pink-footed goose.

Site conclusion

  1. In conclusion, with reference to the conservation objectives set for the features of this site, it can be concluded that there is no potential for an Adverse Effect on Integrity on the Cameron Reservoir SPA and Ramsar Site. This finding is in relation to potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development in any or all phases, acting alone and or in-combination for migratory collision and barrier effects.

 

Table 5.297:
Qualifying Features of the Cameron Reservoir SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.297: Qualifying Features of the Cameron Reservoir SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

 

5.8.10.              Holburn Lake and Moss SPA and Ramsar Site (Estuarine)

European site information and conservation objectives

  1. Holburn Lake and Moss SPA and Ramsar site are located in the region of 55.62°N, 1.91°W and comprises an area of 0.28 km2. The two designations are significantly overlapped and are considered together. The area qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of waterbird species as detailed below.
  2. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined from SPA Data form UK9004131) are:
  • Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring; The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features

–           The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features;

–           The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely;

–           The population of each of the qualifying features;

–           The distribution of the qualifying features within the site; and

–           No significant disturbance of the species.

  1. The Proposed Development does not overlap with the Holburn Lake and Moss SPA and Ramsar site, so potential impacts on its qualifying features will only occur as a result of individuals from the SPA occurring in the area (or vicinity) of the Proposed Development.
  2. Consequently, the focus of the assessment for this SPA and Ramsar site population is concerned with the conservation objective to maintain or restore the populations of each qualifying feature. The other conservation objectives either apply to the site itself, and not to areas beyond the boundary, or are encompassed by the assessment of this conservation objective.
  1. Further information on this European site is presented in appendix 3A.
  1. The potential for LSE has been identified in relation to one of one qualifying features for this SPA and Ramsar site.
Project alone and in-combination: operation and maintenance
Migratory collision risk
  1. A single species was screened in (greylag goose), which was considered within the MSS strategic level report ( Table 5.298   Open ▸ ). The adjusted increase in baseline mortality was under the 0.95% threshold for this species ( Table 5.298   Open ▸ ). Therefore, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Holburn Lake and Moss SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for greylag goose.

Site conclusion

  1. In conclusion, with reference to the conservation objectives set for the features of this site, it can be concluded that there is no potential for an Adverse Effect on Integrity on the Holburn Lake and Moss SPA and Ramsar site. This finding is in relation to potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development in any or all phases, acting alone and or in-combination for migratory collision and barrier effects.

 

Table 5.298:
Qualifying Features of the Holburn Lake and Moss SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form.

Table 5.298: Qualifying Features of the Holburn Lake and Moss SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form.

 

5.8.11.              Greenlaw Moor SPA and Ramsar Site

European site information and conservation objectives

  1. Greenlaw Moor SPA and Ramsar site are located in the region of 5.74°N, 2.45°W and comprises an area of 63.18 km2. The two designations are significantly overlapped and are considered together. The area qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of waterbird species as detailed below.
  2. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink SPA Citation UK9004281) are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–           Population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–           Distribution of the species within site;

–           Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

–           Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

–           No significant disturbance of the species.

  1. The Proposed Development does not overlap with the Greenlaw Moor SPA and Ramsar site, so potential impacts on its qualifying features will only occur as a result of individuals from the SPA occurring in the area (or vicinity) of the Proposed Development.
  2. Consequently, the focus of the assessment for this SPA and Ramsar site population is concerned with the conservation objective to maintain or restore the populations of each qualifying feature. The other conservation objectives either apply to the site itself, and not to areas beyond the boundary, or are encompassed by the assessment of this conservation objective.
  3. Further information on this European site is presented in appendix 3A.
  4. The potential for LSE has been identified in relation to one of one qualifying features for this SPA and Ramsar site.
Project alone and in-combination: operation and maintenance
Migratory collision risk
  1. A single species was screened in (pink-footed goose), which was considered within the MSS strategic level report (e). Of these, the adjusted increase in baseline mortality was under the 0.95% threshold for this species ( Table 5.299   Open ▸ ). Therefore, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Greenlaw Moor SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for pink-footed goose.

Site conclusion

  1. In conclusion, with reference to the conservation objectives set for the features of this site, it can be concluded that there is no potential for an Adverse Effect on Integrity on the Greenlaw Moor SPA and Ramsar Site. This finding is in relation to potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development in any or all phases, acting alone and or in-combination for migratory collision and barrier effects.

 

Table 5.299:
Qualifying Features of the Greenlaw Moor SPA and Ramsar, Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.299: Qualifying Features of the Greenlaw Moor SPA and Ramsar, Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

 

5.8.12.              Loch of Kinnordy SPA and Ramsar Site (Estuarine)

European site information and conservation objectives

  1. Loch of Kinnordy SPA and Ramsar site are located in the region of 56.67°N, 3.04°W and comprises an area of 0.85 km2. The two designations are significantly overlapped and are considered together. The area qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of waterbird species as detailed below.
  2. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink SPA Citation UK9004051) are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–           Population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–           Distribution of the species within site;

–           Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

–           Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

–           No significant disturbance of the species.

  1. The Proposed Development does not overlap with the Loch of Kinnordy SPA and Ramsar site, so potential impacts on its qualifying features will only occur as a result of individuals from the SPA occurring in the area (or vicinity) of the Proposed Development.
  2. Consequently, the focus of the assessment for this SPA and Ramsar population is concerned with the conservation objective to maintain or restore the populations of each qualifying feature. The other conservation objectives either apply to the site itself, and not to areas beyond the boundary, or are encompassed by the assessment of this conservation objective.
  3. Further information on this European site is presented in appendix 3A.
  4. The potential for LSE has been identified in relation to two of two qualifying features for this SPA and Ramsar site.
Project alone and in-combination: operation and maintenance
Migratory collision risk
  1. Two species were screened in (greylag goose and pink-footed goose), which were both considered within the MSS strategic level report ( Table 5.300   Open ▸ ). For both species the adjusted increase in baseline mortality was under the 0.95% threshold ( Table 5.300   Open ▸ ). Therefore, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Loch of Kinnordy SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for greylag goose and pink-footed goose.

Site conclusion

  1. In conclusion, with reference to the conservation objectives set for the features of this site, it can be concluded that there is no potential for an Adverse Effect on Integrity on the Loch of Kinnordy SPA and Ramsar Site. This finding is in relation to potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development in any or all phases, acting alone and or in-combination for migratory collision and barrier effects.

 

Table 5.300:
Qualifying Features of the Loch of Kinnordy SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.300: Qualifying Features of the Loch of Kinnordy SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

 

5.8.13.              Din Moss - Hoselaw Loch SPA and Ramsar Site (Estuarine)

European site information and conservation objectives

  1.  Din Moss – Hoselaw Loch SPA and Ramsar sites are located in the region of 55.57°N, 2.308°W and comprises an area of 0.50 km2. The two designations are significantly overlapped and are considered together. The Firth of Forth qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of waterbird species as detailed in below.
  2. The conservation objectives of this SPA (SPA Citation UK9004241) are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–           Population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–           Distribution of the species within site;

–           Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

–           Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

–           No significant disturbance of the species.

  1. The Proposed Development does not overlap with the Din Moss – Hoselaw Loch SPA and Ramsar site, so potential impacts on its qualifying features will only occur as a result of individuals from the SPA occurring in the area (or vicinity) of the Proposed Development.
  2. Consequently, the focus of the assessment for this SPA and Ramsar site population is concerned with the conservation objective to maintain or restore the populations of each qualifying feature. The other conservation objectives either apply to the site itself, and not to areas beyond the boundary, or are encompassed by the assessment of this conservation objective.
  3. Further information on this European site is presented in appendix 3A.
  4. The potential for LSE has been identified in relation to two of these two qualifying features for this SPA and Ramsar site.
Project alone and in-combination: operation and maintenance
Migratory collision risk
  1. The two features screened in (greylag goose and pink-footed goose) were considered within the MSS strategic level report ( Table 5.301   Open ▸ ). Of these, the adjusted increase in baseline mortality was under the 0.95% threshold for all species ( Table 5.301   Open ▸ ).  Therefore, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Din Moss – Hoselaw Loch SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for greylag and pink-footed goose.

Site conclusion

  1. In conclusion, with reference to the conservation objectives set for the features of this site, it can be concluded that there is no potential for an Adverse Effect on Integrity on the Din Moss – Hoselaw Loch SPA and Ramsar Site. This finding is in relation to potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development in any or all phases, acting alone and or in-combination for migratory collision and barrier effects.

 

Table 5.301:
Qualifying Features of the Din Moss – Hoselaw Loch SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.301: Qualifying Features of the Din Moss – Hoselaw Loch SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

 

5.8.14.              Fala Flow SPA and Ramsar Site

European site information and conservation objectives

  1. Fala Flow SPA and Ramsar site are located 55.81°N, 2.90°W and comprises an area of 3.17 km2. The two designations are significantly overlapped and are considered together. The area qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of waterbird species as detailed below.
  2. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink SPA Citation UK9004241) are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–           Population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–           Distribution of the species within site;

–           Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

–           Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

–           No significant disturbance of the species.

  1. The Proposed Development does not overlap with the Fala Flow SPA and Ramsar site, so potential impacts on its qualifying features will only occur as a result of individuals from the SPA occurring in the area (or vicinity) of the Proposed Development.
  2. Consequently, the focus of the assessment for this SPA and Ramsar site population is concerned with the conservation objective to maintain or restore the populations of each qualifying feature. The other conservation objectives either apply to the site itself, and not to areas beyond the boundary, or are encompassed by the assessment of this conservation objective.
  3. Further information on this European site is presented in appendix 3A.
  4. The potential for LSE has been identified in relation to one of one qualifying features for this SPA and Ramsar site.
Project alone and in-combination: operation and maintenance
Migratory collision risk
  1. A single species was screened in (pink-footed goose), which was considered within the MSS strategic level report ( Table 5.302   Open ▸ ). The adjusted increase in baseline mortality was under the 0.95% threshold for this species ( Table 5.302   Open ▸ ). Therefore, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Fala Flow SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for pink-footed goose.

Site conclusion

  1. In conclusion, with reference to the conservation objectives set for the features of this site, it can be concluded that there is no potential for an Adverse Effect on Integrity on the Fala Flow SPA and Ramsar site. This finding is in relation to potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development in any or all phases, acting alone and or in-combination for migratory collision and barrier effects.

 

Table 5.302:
Qualifying Features of the Fala Flow SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers) Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.302: Qualifying Features of the Fala Flow SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers) Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

 

5.8.15.              Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar Site

European site information and conservation objectives

  1. Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar site are located in the region of 56.196°N, 3.37°W and comprises an area of 63.18 km2. The two designations are significantly overlapped and are considered together. The area qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of waterbird species as detailed below.
  2. The conservation objectives of this (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink SPA Citation UK9004111) are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–           Population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–           Distribution of the species within site;

–           Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

–           Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

–           No significant disturbance of the species;

  1. The Proposed Development does not overlap with the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar site, so potential impacts on its qualifying features will only occur as a result of individuals from the SPA occurring in the area (or vicinity) of the Proposed Development.
  2. Consequently, the focus of the assessment for this SPA and Ramsar site population is concerned with the conservation objective to maintain or restore the populations of each qualifying feature. The other conservation objectives either apply to the site itself, and not to areas beyond the boundary, or are encompassed by the assessment of this conservation objective.
  3. Further information on this European site is presented in appendix 3A.
  4. The potential for LSE has been identified in relation to eight of these nine qualifying features for this SPA and Ramsar site.
Project alone and in-combination: operation and maintenance
Migratory collision risk
  1. Of the eight features screened in, five (pink-footed goose, pochard, teal, tufted duck, and whooper swan) were considered within the MSS strategic level report ( Table 5.303   Open ▸ ). Of these, the adjusted increase in baseline mortality was under the 0.95% threshold for all species except whooper swan ( Table 5.303   Open ▸ ). Whooper swan was therefore taken forward for additional assessment. For the other four species, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development either alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for pink-footed goose, pochard, teal, tufted duck, and whooper swan.

For the remaining three species (gadwall, goldeneye, and shoveler), lengths of migration fronts derived from the BTO SOSS Migration data for each species within the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar site are shown in

  1. Table 5.304   Open ▸ . The footprint length for species migrating from Scandinavia was 40 km and for Iceland 32 km. Scottish-specific data are missing for these three species, with data availability limitations likely to be the reason they were not considered in the MSS strategic level report. Assuming uniform migratory distributions and a 98% avoidance rate (as used within the MSS strategic level report), the proportion of the population considered vulnerable to collision was considered low, with well under 1% of the population of any feature considered vulnerable to collision (0.26%). Based on this low proportion being vulnerable to collision, a conclusion can be made of no Adverse Effect on Integrity with regards to the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar site as a result of collision risk from the Proposed Development both alone or in-combination with other plans and projects for gadwall, goldeneye, and shoveler.
Additional assessment of whooper swan
  1. As in the MSS strategic level report, the total migratory population of whooper swan assessed is 22,000 birds in both the spring and autumn migration periods. From this the MSS strategic report estimated 83 collisions, which after adjustment for updated number of wind turbines as presented in this report resulted in a calculation of increased baseline mortality of 1.33%. However, the MSS strategic report used a precautionary avoidance rate of 98%. Recently published guidance recommends using an avoidance rate of 99.5% for swan species (Nature Scot 2018), which would theoretically result in approximately a 75% reduction in collisions. This would subsequently reduce whooper swan increased baseline mortality to less than the 0.95% threshold presented here. Whooper swan is therefore scoped out of further analysis as it is thought unlikely for there to be Adverse Effect on Integrity on this species for Proposed development alone or in-combination.

Site conclusion

  1. In conclusion, with reference to the conservation objectives set for the features of this site, it can be concluded that there is no potential for an Adverse Effect on Integrity on the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar Site. This finding is in relation to potential impacts associated with the Proposed Development in any or all phases, acting alone and or in-combination for migratory collision and barrier effects.

 

Table 5.303:
Qualifying Features of the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers) Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.303: Qualifying Features of the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar Site, With Calculations of Additional Mortality (From MSS Strategic Level Report) and Corrected Additional Mortality With Updated Turbine Numbers) Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

 

Table 5.304:
Qualifying Features of the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar Site Not Included in the MSS Strategic Level Report. Information for Goldeneye was Used for Calculating Shoveler, Information for Mallard was Used for Gadwell (See Appendix B). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

Table 5.304: Qualifying Features of the Loch Leven SPA and Ramsar Site Not Included in the MSS Strategic Level Report. Information for Goldeneye was Used for Calculating Shoveler, Information for Mallard was Used for Gadwell (See Appendix B). Population Data as Available in Most Recently Updated in Most Recent Site Data Form

 

5.8.16.              Gladhouse Reservoir SPA and Ramsar Site

European site information and conservation objectives

  1. Gladhouse Reservoir SPA and Ramsar site are located in the region of 55.77°N, 3.117°W and comprises an area of 1.86 km2. The two designations are significantly overlapped and are considered together. The area qualifies under Article 4.1 by regularly supporting populations of waterbird species as detailed below.
  2. The conservation objectives of this SPA (as determined from NatureScot’s SiteLink SPA Citation UK9004231) are:
  • To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (listed below) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and
  • To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

–           Population of the species as a viable component of the site;

–           Distribution of the species within site;

–           Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species;

–           Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species; and

–           No significant disturbance of the species.