Campaigners hit out at plans for massive onshore wind farm around unique hill monument 

Fuming local campaigners have hit out at plans to build a massive onshore wind farm around a unique hill monument in the Highlands.

The striking castle ruin-style Fyrish Monument, near Alness, Easter Ross, dates back to the 18th century and is one of Scotland’s most popular ‘follies’.

Follies cover a series of eccentric landmarks built by barons, lairds, and royalty between the 16th and 18th centuries.

But locals say the iconic Fyrish Monument will be “dwarfed” by 250m turbines proposed as part of German energy firm RWE’s Ceislein Onshore Wind Farm development.

The Save Fyrish campaign has published a video online with a visualisation of how the 20 planned wind turbines would tower over the monument – which is just 10.5 metres tall – and spoil its “spectacular” hilltop views.

The stone structure was built in 1782 on the orders of General Sir Hector Munro, 8th Laird of Novar.

Munro reportedly hired locals to construct it as wanted to help provide income for people displaced by the Highland Clearances.

Save Fyrish have launched a petition against the wind farm development in which they call for the “rejection of RWE’s application to install 20 wind turbines, each 250 meters tall, near Fyrish Monument, a prominent and historic site in Ross-shire”.

It continues: “This development would negatively impact an iconic site, the local community, its visitors, wildlife and local resources…

“The turbines would significantly harm the scenic and peaceful environment surrounding Fyrish Monument, which is a popular tourist and local destination, drawing over 20,000 visitors annually.

“The visual disruption, noise, and flashing night lighting will destroy the monument’s iconic standing in the landscape, reducing the cultural and socio-economic value it provides.

“It will be visible from many many miles away.”

The monument was built in the 1780s on the orders of Sir Hector Munro, 8th Laird of Novar, who had previously served in India. It is supposed to represent the Gate of Negapatam, which is a port in Madras. The Fyrish Monument consists of three archways that dominate the surrounding landscape. They are flanked on either side by an uneven set of majestic stone pillars.

The petition adds: “The Fyrish Monument has a unique place in history recalling a specific period of hardship for the local population.

“Its stark outline represents that story and should not be overshadowed by nearby turbines.”

Campaigners also claim the turbines could threaten wildlife including red-listed endangered birds like capercaillies, hen harriers and red kites.

The group says their petition has been backed by local politicians including Lib Dem MP Jamie Stone and Tory MSP Edward Mountain, as well as 10 nearby community councils.

In a final appeal, the petitioners wrote: “While understanding the need for Net Zero, please support us in trying to keep this unique landmark protected against turbine development.”

A spokesman for RWE said: “The Ceislein Wind Farm is still at the very early stages of the planning process.

“We fully understand the importance of the Fyrish Monument to the local community, and we are working with our design team to minimise the impact on this historic landmark.

“We are currently completing the necessary environmental surveys that are feeding into the design process of the wind farm.

“This includes landscape and visual, noise, ecology and ornithology, as well as cultural heritage.

“We are committed to working with the local community to produce a final design that has been informed by the feedback received at the first public meeting, held last August.

“We hope to be able to present this updated design at our next public event scheduled for Spring 2025.”