Anger as wind farm gets the green light

Published on Monday 22 December 2008 21:02

CAMPAIGNERS have attacked a decision to approve a scaled-down wind farm in the Highlands, which they claim will harm wildlife and tourism.

Jim Mather, the energy minister, yesterday announced the go-ahead for the 17-turbine, 51MW development at Lochluichart, near Garve in Ross-shire, which is capable of supplying electricity for 23,000 homes.

The developer, LZN, applied in 2005 to build 43 turbines. This was later reduced to 22 and then 17 turbines and Highland Council decided not to object to the plan in 2007. During a consultation, 9,097 people sent representations with 3,170 objections and 5,927 in support.

Mr Mather said: "The Loch-luichart wind farm is a significant step in our drive to make Scotland the green energy capital of Europe.

"There will be economic benefits, with around 100 construction jobs and full-time jobs when the scheme is operational."

But the Stop Lochluichart Wind farm campaign group expressed concern that the turbines could harm tourism and disturb endangered species including eagles, peregrine falcons and red-throated divers.

A spokesman for the group said: "I find it astonishing that, at a time when money is scarce, this government should approve projects which can only increase our electricity bills and cause suffering to many pensioners and people on low incomes, especially since the alleged benefits of wind farms are becoming more and more doubtful."