By Jamie Buchan
The head of an exclusive Perthshire estate which recently played host to an
Outlander film crew is battling plans for a massive windfarm on the edge of
his land.
Mike Aldridge, factor at the 61,000-acre Drummond Estate, has added his
voice to a growing chorus calling for the nine-turbine Strathallan project
to be scrapped.
More than 400 people and organisations have now registered their opposition
to the development, earmarked for land between Comrie and Braco.
A similar, smaller four-turbine scheme at the same site, known as
Greenscares, was rejected by councillors eight years ago.
But wind energy specialist Green Cat Renewables believes its plans for nine
towers, each taller than the Wallace monument, will “strike a better
balance between energy production and environmental impacts”.
Mr Aldridge said: “We already have the 400Kv Beauly to Denny transmission
line which with 50-60m high pylons is visible within the landscape.
“The overall effect of nine 93m turbines would be significantly greater.”
He added: “Drummond Estates was fortunate to host a major filming operation
connected with the Outlander television series. The location manager
selected the site at Octhermuthill Farm due to the lack of development
within the backdrop.
“I strongly believe that had wind turbines been present at Greenscares, the
filming site would not have fulfilled their criteria.”
The Strathallan Windfarm plan has also been opposed by Mid Scotland and
Fife MSP Liz Smith.
“With all the other recent windfarm developments on the skyline of the
surrounding hills we can ill afford to allow the valley itself to face
similar developments,” she said.
Perth and Kinross Council planners have received 416 objections and just
one letter of support.
As well as concerns about visual impact, there are fears for wildlife
including red kites, ospreys, hen harriers, deer and red squirrels.
Green Cat Renewables has said the scheme is designed in line with best
practice guidelines.
A spokesman said: “As a nine-turbine scheme, as opposed to a four-turbine
scheme, it is definitively a windfarm as opposed to a wind cluster, which
is keeping with the pattern of development within this part of Perthshire.”
Councillors are expected to rule on the planning application in the new year.
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