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Hundreds of turbines could be built at Highlands beauty spot
Credit: By Lucy Jackson · 2025-12-14 · thenational.scot ~~
Concerns have been raised over plans for hundreds of wind turbines at a Highlands beauty spot.
Proposals for 231 turbines around the village of Rosehall in Sutherland have been submitted, with campaigners warning of the area being “overwhelmed” by energy developments.
The plans include 13 “mega structures” built by German energy company EnergieKontor, which would be 250m tall – the same height as Edinburgh’s famous Arthur’s Seat landmark.
Campaigners say the 231 planned turbines would be capable of generating the same amount of energy as nuclear plant Sizewell B.
There are already 38 existing turbines in the area which are operated by SSE Renewables and RWE. A further 37 have been given consent, with an addition 156 turbines in the scoping or planning stage.
Campaign group No Ring of Steel Kyle of Sutherland has warned of the environmental impact of the proposals on “one of the most scenic and iconic areas in Scotland”.
The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the white-tailed sea eagle, Atlantic salmon and the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel.
Sutherland is also part of one of the largest and most intact areas of peat and plant areas in the world, supporting populations of 10 waterfowl species.
Campaign spokesperson Tisi Dutton said: “With several windfarms already in operation, the area is already contributing its fair share towards Scotland’s renewable energy targets.
“Given the likely effect on the community and local employment, the enormous scale of these new developments will threaten to drive people out of their homes in a modern-day version of the ‘Highland clearances’.”
Dutton said the proposals are “totally out of step for such a biodiverse, scenic and rural location”, adding “the fate of local communities is at stake and people’s everyday way of life is under serious threat”.
Dutton continued: “The Scottish Government’s own National Planning Framework 4 aims to ensure ‘the right development happens in the right place’, but this is not happening in Sutherland.
“The developments also fly in the face of the Scottish Government’s updated Net Zero plan, which includes plans to accelerate peatland restoration. Many of these wind farm developments will actually be sited on precious peatlands.
“The governments of Holyrood and Westminster are driving ahead with their renewable energy plans without a second thought for communities and biodiversity.”
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