But the way is not yet clear for Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) to take the hill road rather than the A9 through Golspie and Brora, in the teeth of fierce opposition from local communities.

The power company still needs to gain planning permission and other environmental consents to construct a bridge across the River Brora at the far end of the hill route. And given the fact that SSE managers have already stated they are working to a very tight timescale, there would appear to be a question mark over whether the necessary permissions can be obtained in time.

SSE issued a press release on Tuesday announcing that agreement with the four landowners involved had been reached. But nowhere in the announcement does it say that the Kilbraur route would definitely be taken. It merely states: "The alternative Kilbraur access route for Gordonbush wind farm has now been agreed with the relevant landowners.

"This alternative route uses part of the access track for Kilbraur wind farm, directing traffic off the A9 at Drummuie south of the villages of Golspie and Brora."

SSE go on to say that discussions with landowners were reopened in response to local concerns and an approach from Golspie and Brora Community Councils.

SSE project manager Chris Marden is quoted as saying: "In the case of Gordonbush, the local community is clearly in favour of the Kilbraur option, which avoids the need for abnormal loads to pass through Golspie and Brora. This recent development now opens the way for us to submit a planning application to allow us to construct a bridge crossing the River Brora."

He adds: "I would like to acknowledge the support we have received from Golspie and Brora community Councils, and for the co-operation of the landowners. This is an excellent example of the developers, landowners and community working together to achieve the best possible outcome for all concerned."

Sutherland Estates factor Chris Whealing told the NT this week: "We began discussions in 2007 with SSE regarding access for construction traffic to Gordonbush via Kilbraur. We understood and supported the concerns of the local communities that would have been affected if this traffic had been allowed to travel through Golspie and Brora. Therefore we are extremely pleased that we have been able to reach agreement with SSE on this preferred route."

Brora Community Council chairman John McMorran commented: "We are glad that SSE have the access agreements required. I believe that the only remaining obstacles are environmental and planning consents which will hopefully fall into place soon. I hope that SSE are addressing those with the urgency required."

l The John Muir Trust this week released a report claiming that wind farms pose a threat to Britain's upland areas.

The report states that a large 53 turbine wind farm and associated works destroys an area the equivalent of 68 international sized football pitches.

Trust climate change officer Richard Hill said: "Few people realise that a wind farm can do as much harm to the environment as any other large scale development such as a factory, shopping centre or housing scheme."

The trust is now calling on the Scottish Government to develop a national renewable strategy to ensure that the country's upland habitats are adequately protected from poorly sited wind farms.

Trust head of policy Helen McDade commented: "Planning decisions on wind farms are currently being made on an ad hoc, case by case basis. We urgently need a national strategy that will look at the cumulative impact of the thousands of new wind turbines that are proposed for Scotland and steer developers away from environmentally sensitive sites."

The report was welcomed by Scottish Conservative Euro MP Struan Stevenson. He said: "This new report from the trust entirely vindicates the position I have voiced for some time.

"The construction of giant wind turbines on sensitive upland habitats, and particularly on deep peat land in Scotland, damages the environment and adds to global warning."

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