TOURIST operators near the site of a proposed wind farm on the edge of
Rannoch Moor say they will be fighting to save their businesses if the
development goes ahead.
The John Muir Trust, the wild land charity, has also urged Highland
Perthshire residents and visitors to object to the proposed scheme by
Talladh-a-Bheithe Wind Farm Ltd, which wants to erect 410ft wind turbines
between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht.
According to the Trust, the 24 turbines would be visible from more than 30
Munros (mountains over 3000ft) and Corbetts (over 2500ft), the West
Highland Railway line and the A82, the main road through the West Highlands.
John Low, of the Trust, said any such development would “fatally undermine”
the Government’s newly agreed Wild Land Areas map, which is designed to
protect certain sites from large-scale developments.
Rose La Terriere, of Dunalastair Estate Holiday Cottages, said: “Visitors
come from Scotland and overseas for the tranquillity and unspoilt landscape
of this glen of Rannoch. Given that farming is fading in glens like ours,
any loss of tourists would destroy the community.”
A spokeswoman for the windfarm company said: “Having worked closely with
the community throughout the development of our proposals we are pleased
with the positive response we have received.
“Assessments have found our plans will have no impact upon visitor numbers
and are instead set to bring a number of benefits, including a positive
contribution to the regional and local economy.”
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