Garvary Wind Farm fears highlighted
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Sutherland MSP Maree Todd has flagged up concerns over the planned Garvary Wind Farm to a Scottish Government Minister following an approach by opponents to the development.
Three members of the Struie Action Group, which is campaigning against the proposed 37-turbine wind farm, recently met Ms Todd (SNP), who represents Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
A site on upland moorland east of the A836 and some 4.5km south of Lairg and 5.5km north of Bonar Bridge has been earmarked for the wind farm, which is being pushed forward by Coriolis Energy and the Electricity Supply Board Asset Development (ESB) – Ireland’s part state owned electricity company.
An applications has been submitted to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit.
But members of Struie Action Group say that the wind farm would “ruin” the unspoilt environment and natural heritage, dominating the southern margins of Lairg, views travelling east from Rosehall and the famed Struie viewpoint.
Following the meeting with Struie Action Group chairman Michael Baird and two other members, Ms Todd wrote to Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson.
She told him: “At the centre of their (the group) concerns are the density of existing and proposed wind farm developments in the Kyle of Sutherland area.”
She added that opponents felt the wind farm would have an impact on the environment, tourism and property. She also cited the high level of constraints payment in Sutherland and the high cost of electricity.
Michael Baird said Struie Action Group was trying to raise awareness of the wind farm and had circulated a newsletter to households widely throughout the Ardgay, Culrain, Rosehall, Lairg and Rogart area.
“A lot of people don’t have a clue about the Garvary Wind Farm and ask us where it is going,” he said.
