By Kirsty Topping
Highland Perthshire’s “fragile” economy could be ripped apart if a proposed
windfarm gets the go-ahead, the Scottish Government has been warned.
Tourism businesses in Rannoch are fighting plans by Talladh a Bheithe Wind
Farm Ltd, which wants to build 24 wind turbines, each 125 metres tall,
together with wide access tracks, buildings and infrastructure, on moorland
between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht.
MSP Murdo Fraser has urged his colleagues to reject the plans, saying it
would set a precedent that could harm other beauty spots across the country.
The battle against the bid is also being supported by the Perth-based
Mountaineering Council for Scotland, which calls the area “one of
Scotland’s remaining areas of wild land”.
Mr Fraser said: “Rannoch Moor is one of Scotland’s most unique landscapes
and any attempt to build massive windfarms on it should be stopped.
“Scottish Natural Heritage has produced a ‘Wild Land Map’, which the
Scottish Government has told us will indicate those areas of Scotland which
are unsuitable for wind turbines.
“This planning application gives the SNP Government a real opportunity to
show that they are serious about protecting wild land.
“However, if successful, this application will fatally undermine the Wild
Land Map and endanger other beauty spots across Scotland.”
Local businesses fear that if the landscape is blighted by the turbines,
the thousands of visitors who flock to the region to enjoy the views will
be put off.
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.
“We are like an island or oasis, but surrounded by hills rather than water.
“The proposed windfarm will be seen from the slopes of Schiehallion and
from very many others of our hills and from the south side road of Loch
Rannoch and many popular paths.
“I sincerely believe that the unique offering of our tourism business and
others in the glen will be destroyed by this development. Given that
farming is fading in glens like ours, any loss of tourists would destroy
the community.”
Louise Hardwick, who runs Liarn Farm Holiday Cottages, is also fearful
about what the windfarm would mean. She said: “I can see no reason for
visitors to travel to such a remote area simply to see a windfarm from
every viewpoint around the loch, including Ben Alder, Schiehallion and
other Munros.
“This is a special area of scenic beauty which attracts visitors from
around the globe; they, in turn, maintain the tourism employment and
economy of the area.”
David Gibson, Mountaineering Council for Scotland chief officer, urged the
Scottish Government to refuse planning consent.
He said: “The wild lands of areas like Rannoch are exactly what make
Scotland so special for visitors, whether they want to walk, climb, cycle
or simply relax.
“To squander this superb national asset would damage our country’s
reputation as a destination and the fragile local economy by driving
visitors elsewhere.”
A spokeswoman for Talladh-a-Bheithe Wind Farm Ltd, said the project would
not affect tourism.
“Having worked closely with the community throughout the development of our
proposals, we are pleased with the positive response we have received from
local residents to date,” she said.
“Assessments have found that our plans will have no impact upon visitor
numbers to the area and are instead set to bring a number of benefits,
including a positive contribution to the regional and local economy.
“I would encourage local residents to visit the project website
www.tab-windfarm.org to review the professional assessments, access
accurate information and read about the benefits that the plans will bring
to the area.”
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