A bid to ban walkers from using a footpath for two years during the construction of a Caithness wind farm has been rejected after one councillor called it an “astonishing” request.
Councillor Nicola Sinclair argued that allowing the company behind Limekiln wind farm to close off access to the 7.8km core path would set a dangerous precedent as it would mean the developer riding roughshod over public opinion and access rights.
Another councillor claimed that the attempt to exclude people from the land was reminiscent of the Highland Clearances.
The path is within within Limekiln Forest, south of Reay, where energy firm Infinergy has consent for 21 turbines and has applied for an extension of five more.
The application for an order to exempt access rights during the construction of the wind farm was made to Highland Council under Section 11 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Objections were lodged by Caithness West Community Council, the Ramblers Association and ScotWays, the Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society.
The issue came before an online meeting of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee on Wednesday and was turned down unanimously.
Councillor Sinclair (Wick and East Caithness), a member of the committee, said afterwards: “The request from the developer to close off a core path for two years to allow construction of the wind farm was the first of its kind in Scotland. https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/councillors-reject-astonishing-bid-to-impose-two-year-ban-on-path-users-at-caithness-wind-farm-site-217447/
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