July 16, 2014
Scotland

Community group to fight against Rannoch Moor windfarm

By David Kerr | The Press and Journal | 16 July 2014 | www.pressandjournal.co.uk

A community group has been set up to fight against plans to build a windfarm on the north-east edge of Rannoch Moor.

The group, who have named themselves Keep Rannoch Wild, are opposing the proposed Talladh-a-Bheithe windfarm which would be built near Loch Ericht.

Group spokesman Douglas Wynn of Rannoch has warned that the development would be “destructive” to the surrounding area, which inlcudes Rannoch Moor and munro Ben Alder.

Around 200 people have already backed the campaign.

The windfarm would include turbines standing at 410ft tall, on the estate of the same name.

The plan has been put forward by Dutch company Eventus.

Mr Wynn said: “A windfarm would be totally destructive for the landscape around Rannoch Moor and further afield.

“We believe that it will be possible to see the turbines from the Glencoe road and the West Highland Way, as well as the Ben Alder hills which are much closer.

“The impact will be immense visually and on wildlife in the area.

“This is a part of the country which has so far remained as a wild land and we hope to keep it that way.”

The campaigners have been backed by outdoor charities the John Muir Trust and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCoS) who both objected to the proposals.

The site about 15 miles south of Dalwhinnie in a remote region between Loch Ericht and Loch Rannoch.

David Gibson, MCoS chief officer, said: “This proposal would affect an area which has a unique landscape character offering panoramic views over a fantastic area of wild land.

“It is a stunning landscape vista which is very sensitive to any form of intrusive human activity and an increasingly rare and valuable experience in Scotland.

“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.”

A spokesman for developer Talladh-a-Bheithe Wind Farm Limited said: “Having worked closely with the local community, we are greatly encouraged by the response we have received to date.

“Our plans would make a valuable contribution towards Scottish and UK government targets for energy from renewable sources.

“We are very eager to continue to explore a range of community benefits, including a commitment to making an annual contribution to a community trust fund.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/16/community-group-to-fight-against-rannoch-moor-windfarm/