Strath Oykel 'mega turbines' would be among tallest in Scotland
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A wind farm proposal in Sutherland is one of a number of “mega turbine” plans cropping up across Scotland.
It was reported last week that a new generation of wind farms were being placed before the Scottish Government at heights of 200 metres and above.
It signals a near 50 per cent increase in the average size of wind turbine being considered by ministers over the last six years.
One such application by German-owned Energiekontor UK would see 11 enormous turbines of 200m being built at Strath Oykel, near Rosehall.
The development would be barely a mile from the nearest property, and residents have spoken about concerns over blade flicker, noise, and the cumulative effect with other wind farms in the area.
Local campaign group No Ring of Steel (NORoS) said the area was at saturation point and that a wind farm of this scale would risk wildlife and fishing, as well as wrecking the scenery and the tourism market which depends upon it.
The submission will be determined by Scottish Government ministers in Edinburgh, rather than Highland Council, because it has a generating capacity in excess of 50mw.
If consented, the turbines would be among the tallest in Scotland, and considerably higher than any building in the country.
Research revealed last week that 15 recent applications have come in to the Scottish Government with an average height of 203m in the past three months alone.
In 2016, the average height of Scottish Government-approved windfarms was 139m.
Ashley Smith, spokesman for No Ring of Steel (NORoS), said: “This part of the Highlands is at saturation point with onshore wind farms and can’t sustain any more.
“The proposals at Strath Oykel are enormous, far taller than any building in Scotland.
“We know the average height has rocketed in recent years, and these mega turbines surrounding our community would destroy our quality of life, and much more besides.
“The Scottish Government needs to take into consideration the sheer magnitude of these turbines.
“They are far bigger than what has gone before, and the impact on the area will be far greater as a result.
“There’s still time for local people and businesses to make their feelings about this plan known, and we urge them to do so before it’s too late.”
