A probe has been launched into the creation of a third commercial wind farm in a far north crofting settlement.
RWE Renewables UK is seeking the go-ahead to erect 13 turbines in a coniferous forest, about five miles south of Strathy in north Sutherland.
The village already neighbours SWE’s 33-turbine development at Strathy North while the firm has consent for a further 39-turbine venture at Strathy South.
The public local inquiry into the Strathy Wood proposal has been triggered by an objection lodged by Highland Council.
It claims the 62 megawatt scheme, which is earmarked on ground between the two SSE wind farms, would adversely affect a Peatlands Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Fears turbines could spoil scenery for tourists
The council is also concerned that the turbines would spoil the view of the area, including for tourists on the adjoining North Coast 500 route.
At a hearing today, RWE expert witness John Mason disputed the council’s views on the impact the 590ft high turbines would have on the landscape.
He said: “The turbines are large scale in terms of man-made machinery but this is a very, very large scale landscape that is capable of absorbing them.
“I don’t believe there is an instance where the scale of the turbines would appear to be out of scale with the landscape.”
Mr Mason, a landscape architect, did not believe that the 230ft greater height of the Strathy Wood turbines to the existing ones at Strathy North would be out of keeping.
He added: “The turbines would be larger but generally speaking it’s often barely possible to see a distinction.
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