WIND FARM UPDATE

George Allan

It is important to continue to stress that NEMT's interest is confined to potential developments in wild land or the most popular walking venues in upland or remoter areas.

The Scottish Government approved the massive Stronelairg development on the northern side of the Monadhliath. NEMT, amongst many others, had strongly objected to this proposal and the announcement is something of a disaster. At the time of writing (mid Sept), no announcement has been made regarding Allt Duine on the southern side of the range on the very boundary of the National Park.

NEMT has objected to the following recent applications:

• Beinn Mhor at the gateway to Glen Affric;
• Tallad-a-Bheithe. This proposed development is the first significant test of the new wild land map (see article elsewhere in this Mountain Views). The proposed site is in a major wild land area at the south eastern tip of Loch Ericht, north of Loch Rannoch. The development would be close to Ben Alder and would be seen from numerous Munros and Corbetts. As well as objecting itself, NEMT asked member clubs to consider writing to the Energy Consents Unit. NEMT has also written to all North East MSPs asking them to support a Parliamentary Motion by Murdo Fraser regarding the matter.

However, it is good to note that SNH's wild land map is being taken seriously by planners. Highland Council rejected the application for the Carn Gorm windfarm on the shoulder of Little Wyvis, north east of Garve, which NEMT had objected to. One of the reasons given was that it would be detrimental to an area identified on the map.

It is not known whether the company will appeal to the Scottish Government.

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