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Community battles wind farm expansion amid regeneration struggle
Credit: Nicola McAlley · 8 February 2025 · news.stv.tv ~~
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Translate: FROM English | TO English
A Moray community says efforts to regenerate the local area are being hampered by a large number of wind turbines being built around it.
More than 70 turbines are already operating in the Cabrach and the Scottish Government is considering plans for another 22 to be installed.
Residents say they recognise energy targets but say there needs to be balance.
The Clashindarroch Extension proposal – a collaboration between the Cabrach Estate owner and Canadian energy firm Boralex – is currently being considered by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.
It would see the addition of 22 wind turbines along the skyline if developers plans get the go ahead.
But residents say the area’s reached “peak windfarm”. Two already operate in the Cabrach, two schemes have recently been approved and another is seeking planning consent, alongside Clashindarroch.
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Jonathan Christie from The Cabrach Trust says “We are for community regeneration, we are for a just transition, but all those things have to work in balance together and if the Clashindarroch Extension goes ahead we risk doing irreversible damage.”
Smallholder Pete Nelson says it’s simply too much for such a rural area to handle.
He said: “It is just really going to destroy the area – the final one is twenty turbines, 200 metres high, which will cause sun flicker all the time.”
The Cabrach Trust says the recent creation of a distillery and wildlife paths are part of trying to encourage people to visit, live and work in the area but this faces being damaged.
Lynne Staples-Scott, trustee at the Cabrach Trust, said: “We are looking to bring people in to the area, this will sit right on top of our area and have a really deep impact on what we are doing here.”
A spokesman for Boralex says “ Our focus remains on contributing positively to Scotland’s energy transition through responsible wind farm development.”
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“2024 was the warmest year on record and the need for urgent action to combat climate change is recognised by both the Scottish and UK Governments, and our development activities play a role in this fight.”
“Once approved, Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension will have the capacity to contribute a significant 195 megawatts to the 2030 renewable energy targets.”
The Scottish Government said commenting on a live application would be inappropriate.
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