Glenfeshie laird tells protestors: ‘Our movements are ‘100% transparent’
Extinction Rebellion campaigners in the Highland capital protested today against Glenfeshie’s eco-billionaire laird Anders Holch Povlsen for preaching conservation and practising private jet travel - but tonight he responded by defending his position through the Strathy.
Extinction Rebellion Scotland and Scientist Rebellion Denmark led their protest both at Inverness Airport and Billund Airport in Denmark. They were highlighting the contradictions between Mr Povlsen’s Blackbird Air private jet enterprise and his Wildland commitment to nature.
At Inverness, protesters waved banners declaring ‘Ban Private Jets’ and ‘Blackbird Nae mAir’ accompanied by others dressed as “blackbirds”.
A huge banner was laid on the ground with words from the Wildland Ltd. company website “We’re in a climate emergency. We need to step up and take action”.
The protestors called for Mr Povlsen “to step up and take action”, close down Blackbird Air and invest in clean transportation.
The protests were connected by an innovative two-way live link displayed on monitors at both airports.
One of the largest landowners in Scotland, Mr Povlsen is set to expand his Blackbird Air luxury jet enterprise.
At the same time he operates Wildland, a private enterprise which acknowledges the urgent need to act on the climate emergency
Dr Sarah Birkby from Extinction Rebellion Highlands and Islands and Moray said: “It is completely contradictory to state the importance of acting on the climate emergency and at the same time run a private jet company.
“The time when people, no matter how rich, could say one thing and do the exact opposite is over. As Wildland Ltd itself declares, we need people to step up and take action”.
Dr Anthony Graham from Scientists for Extinction Rebellion stated: "The evidence is clear: our current emissions pathway is incompatible with a safe planet.
“Every tonne of CO₂ fuels climate change, yet private jets - used by the wealthiest 0.003% - emit disproportionate amounts, worsening both the climate crisis and inequality.
“Scientists for Extinction Rebellion urge action on luxury emissions, stressing that those with the most power must lead by example."
Alex Cochrane from Extinction Rebellion Scotland argued: “Private jets are the quickest way to burn fossil fuels and produce on average 10 times more CO2 emissions per passenger than commercial flights.
“Though Blackbird Air states on their website ‘Our private jets feature the latest safety innovations and energy-efficient engines’, the aviation industry expects worldwide another 8,500 private jets will enter service by 2033 (including Blackbird), far outstripping any efficiency gains.”
Tonight Mr Povlsen told the Strathy: “We understand that flying corporate or private in small business aircraft comes with added responsibility, and we are very aware of the impact of our activities.
“That awareness makes us even more committed to taking ambitious steps toward meaningful progress. For us, this is not an either/or situation but a continuous effort to balance responsibility with practicality.”
The Glenfeshie laird, who has spent years preparing his favourite estate for a 200-year regeneration programme, explained: “We sincerely strive to work on and invest in solutions that address today’s challenges and support the best opportunities for future generations, including the regeneration and protection of our natural world and taking action on climate change.
“That’s why I’m pleased to confirm that WildLand is a net positive company, which includes the footprint of our guests traveling to and from our properties.
“For anyone traveling between Billund and Inverness, as our family does a few times a year, the difference in calculated CO₂ footprint is minimal, given the lack of direct commercial connections, in my opinion.
“Furthermore, we have never chartered an external operator or used a jet card—our movements are 100 per cet transparent.”
