July 8, 2014
Scotland

Hillwalkers object to wind farm

Objections over planned wind farm on 'unique landscape' | BBC News | 8 July 2014 | www.bbc.co.uk

Mountaineers have objected to a proposed wind farm in highland Perthshire.

A proposal for the 24-turbine wind farm at Talladh-a-Bheithe estate, near Rannoch Moor, was submitted to the Scottish government last week.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland claim the farm would have a “major visual impact” on a “unique landscape”.

Developers said they had worked closely with the local community on the plans.

The Mountaineering Council say the 125m tall turbines would affect views from Schiehallion, Ben Alder, Glen Lyon and Loch Tay, and would be visible from the A82.

Chief officer David Gibson said the need for renewable energy needed to be balanced with “significant protection” for wild land.

He said: “Schiehallion, Rannoch Moor and the route to Glencoe all have a very special place in people’s hearts and in Scottish culture, and this proposal would affect an area which has a unique landscape character offering panoramic views over a fantastic area of wild land.

“Any presumed benefit from this development would be far outweighed by the damage it would do to such a distinctive landscape which is vital not only to highland Perthshire’s identity but also to Scotland’s international image.”

‘Community benefits’

However a spokeswoman for Talladh-a-Bheithe Wind Farm Limited said the proposals had been developed with feedback from the community and statutory consultees in mind.

He said: “Our proposals have developed throughout an extensive consultation process in response to community and statutory consultee feedback.

“We have worked hard with our team of technical experts over the last 6 years to develop a carefully balanced project and have sought to design the wind farm in a natural bowl of the estate – minimising views of the turbines from key areas around Loch Rannoch.

“Should our proposals be consented, they will make a valuable contribution towards Scottish and UK Government energy targets.

“In addition, in line with best practice guidance, they present a range of unique community benefit opportunities, including community ownership.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/08/hillwalkers-object-to-wind-farm/