August 12, 2014
Scotland

Call to aid fight against Perthshire turbines bid

12 August 2014 | www.thecourier.co.uk

Scotland’s mountaineers are calling on MSPs and the public to help halt a hugely controversial windfarm scheme planned for Highland Perthshire.

Developer Talladh a Bheithe Wind Farm Ltd wants to build 24 wind turbines, each 125 metres tall, on moorland between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht.

The applicant has tried to assuage concerns and told The Courier the plan was carefully designed to minimise its impact on the landscape.

Opponents, however, believe it threatens some of the country’s most precious and spectacular wild lands.

MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Murdo Fraser wants all parties to unite in support of the John Muir Trust, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) and the local community in calling for the rejection of the planning application for the “industrial-scale commercial development”.

Brian Linington, MCofS president, said: “The Scottish Government recently pledged greater protection for our dwindling wild lands from vast commercial windfarms. This application is the first real test of their promise.

“Every member of the public who cares about Scotland’s wild lands and mountains can help by simply dropping an email to their MSP and urging them to back Mr Fraser’s parliamentary motion.”

Opponents believe the proposed windfarm could affect views from Schiehallion, the Ben Alder massif, the mountains above Glen Lyon and Loch Tay and some above the Drumochter Pass.

It could also be visible from the West Highland Railway, from the main A82 road on the far side of Rannoch Moor and Buachaille Etive Mor beyond.

A number of members of the community and businesses which depend on tourism have joined the Keep Rannoch Wild campaign, which opposes the plan.

Mr Fraser said: “It is absolutely critical that areas of natural beauty are protected and rural residents must have a say on windfarms that are planned for their doorstep.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/08/12/call-to-aid-fight-against-perthshire-turbines-bid/