By Mark Mackay

The stunning Perthshire landscape was showcased to an audience of millions
during a triumphant Ryder Cup 2014.

For one week Gleneagles became the epicentre of the sporting world as
Europe and the USA clashed on its greens and fairways, with the Ochils as
the backdrop.

That landscape could change dramatically if plans for a giant new windfarm
progress.

Green Energy company PNE Wind Ltd hopes to raise as many as 25 giant
turbines in the Ochils, each an imposing 126.5 metres, with the applicant
keen to progress the scheme in conjunction with Forestry Commission Scotland.

Opponents have been quick to react, however, with the Perth-based
Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) moving to signal its disquiet.

The independent organisation has to date objected to only around one in 20
applications, but has moved to block proposals it regards as potentially
the most damaging to Scotland’s mountain assets.

In a letter to PNE Wind UK, its chief officer David Gibson wrote: “We have
not previously commented on windfarm proposals located in the Ochils but we
consider North Hill to be a particularly egregious and ill-advised proposal.

“This would be a significantly larger windfarm, with significantly higher
turbines, than any existing in the Ochil Hills.”

He also noted that the location chosen overlapped two previous windfarm
application sites, both of which were refused.

Cumulative impact, meanwhile, may prove to be one of the key issues, as the
Lochelbank (18 turbines), Green Knowes (12 turbines) and Burnfoot (21
turbines) sites are all within an 11km radius.

A spokesman from PNE Wind UK urged the public to withhold judgement,
saying: “The PNE Wind UK proposals for North Hill Windfarm are at a very
early stage and we will be working closely with key stakeholders and the
local community to ensure we can deliver a windfarm that is sensitively
designed to the natural features of the site.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in the proposals to visit our
website www.pnewindukforestry.co.uk where they can find out more about our
plans.”

Residents can also email northhillwindfarm@communityline.org or call 0203
128 8938 for further information.

A spokeswoman for Gleneagles said the hotel and resort had only recently
become aware of the scheme and was considering its implications.


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