Scotland’s mountaineers are calling on MSPs and the public to help halt a
hugely controversial windfarm scheme planned for Highland Perthshire.
Developer Talladh a Bheithe Wind Farm Ltd wants to build 24 wind turbines,
each 125 metres tall, on moorland between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht.
The applicant has tried to assuage concerns and told The Courier the plan
was carefully designed to minimise its impact on the landscape.
Opponents, however, believe it threatens some of the country’s most
precious and spectacular wild lands.
MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Murdo Fraser wants all parties to unite in
support of the John Muir Trust, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland
(MCofS) and the local community in calling for the rejection of the
planning application for the “industrial-scale commercial development”.
Brian Linington, MCofS president, said: “The Scottish Government recently
pledged greater protection for our dwindling wild lands from vast
commercial windfarms. This application is the first real test of their promise.
“Every member of the public who cares about Scotland’s wild lands and
mountains can help by simply dropping an email to their MSP and urging them
to back Mr Fraser’s parliamentary motion.”
Opponents believe the proposed windfarm could affect views from
Schiehallion, the Ben Alder massif, the mountains above Glen Lyon and Loch
Tay and some above the Drumochter Pass.
It could also be visible from the West Highland Railway, from the main A82
road on the far side of Rannoch Moor and Buachaille Etive Mor beyond.
A number of members of the community and businesses which depend on tourism
have joined the Keep Rannoch Wild campaign, which opposes the plan.
Mr Fraser said: “It is absolutely critical that areas of natural beauty are
protected and rural residents must have a say on windfarms that are planned
for their doorstep.”
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