George Allan
In the last edition of Mountain Views we reported that the proposals for a major wind farm on one of the shoulders of Ben Wyvis had been withdrawn. A new proposal has emerged for a medium sized development on the southern flanks of Little Wyvis, a Corbett. Again NEMT has objected as we consider that this is an inappropriate location for such a significant infrastructure project, particularly as it intrudes into one of Scottish Natural Heritage's 'core areas of wild land'.
At the time of writing, decisions are awaited from the Scottish Government on two very major developments on either side of the Monadhliath. Allt Duine, on the southern slopes of the range and on the very boundary of the National Park, would be highly visible from much of plateau area of the Cairngorms. The proposed Stronelairg wind farm, north west of Geal Charn, is enormous, roughly the size of Inverness, and is reputed to require 400km of bulldozed tracks. NEMT has objected to both these developments and followed this up with a letter directly to the Minister arguing that these locations are simply inappropriate for such massive infrastructure projects.
The voluntary organisations concerned with the spread of wind farms into wild land are having difficulties keeping up with the sheer volume of applications. Three 'corridors' are emerging as being of particular interest to developers: the Monadhliath and the Loch Ness area; a triangle between Dingwall, Bonar Bridge and Loch Luichart; the Loch Shin area.
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