A Sutherland bed and breakfast operator has issued a passionate “please
don’t” plea to Scottish Government ministers who are considering a wind
farm proposal on her doorstep.
Other business people in the area echoed the call this week as word spread
that developers had submitted a formal planning application for 18 giant
turbines on hills west of Helmsdale.
The local farming partnership hoping to build the scheme on the West Garty
Estate at Loth has promised a community benefit fund. The towers, capable
of producing 54mw of power when operating at full capacity, would be 394ft
(120m) tall. Previous plans, in the mid 1990s, for three separate wind
schemes in the area were refused following a public outcry and public inquiry.
The latest proposal is for a sweep of turbines across Creag Riasgain,
Culgower Hill and Beinn Mhealaich, 3 miles (5 km) south-west of Helmsdale
and 6 miles (10 km) north-east of Brora on what is predominantly heather
moorland.
News of the fresh application being submitted has horrified B&B operator
Catriona Whitfield, of Culgower House, Loth, who said she had bought the
place with the knowledge that the previous wind proposal had been thrown
out and now fears for her business if ministers approve it.
“We’re not very happy about it. We have people who stay with us who comment
negatively about the number of turbines they’ve seen while travelling round
the northern Highlands,” she said. “It’s a big development. We’ll see them
from our house.”
Asked for her message to Scottish Government ministers deciding its fate,
she said: “Please don’t”.
The developer, Aberdeenshire-based Muirden Energy, carried out an
environmental impact assessment of the site in 2012 and submitted a scoping
report to Highland Council last year.
Public exhibitions were held in Helmsdale and Brora in October 2013 and
January this year. The farming consortium – West Garty Renewables – was
granted an electricity generation licence for the site last month and has
promised a community fund payout over the 25-year lifetime of the wind farm.
Brora Golf Club has renewed its condemnation of plans for giant turbines in
the area. Club president Alistair Risk said: “We were not in favour of the
previous planning application. This would also be intrusive, dominating the
skyline northwards from the golf club. It would have a detrimental effect
on golf tourism business.
“The visiting golfer sees Brora as a place to enjoy a great course in a
fabulous environment which has dramatic views which are free from any hint
of industry. The proposed development would dominate the views and bring
disappointment, thus losing visitors.” Local community councillors are
considering their response to the planning proposal.
Muirden Energy project manager Angus Elder said: “While mindful that wind
farms can be contentious, West Garty Renewables believes that as a
consequence of a detailed design process the wind farm would be sensitive
to the local landscape.
“The design has evolved over the past two years following feedback received
from consultees, as well as comments received following a number of public
exhibitions and questionnaires sent to members of the local communities of
Brora and Helmsdale.
“The final design for 18 wind turbines would not only significantly
contribute towards the government’s renewable energy targets but would also
provide valuable energy to supply the needs of the country over the
project’s lifetime.”
Details of the plan are on display at Highland Council’s Drummuie offices
in Golspie and Helmsdale Community Centre.
Anyone wanting to comment on the plan should write to the Scottish
Government Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150
Broomielaw, Glasgow G2 8LU or online to: representations@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
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