Fears voiced over plans for two wind farms in the Cairngorms

Published on Thursday 15 October 2009 18:58

PLANNERS in the Cairngorms National Park say they have serious concerns about the potential impact of two wind farms earmarked for the area.

Tomorrow the park authority will be asked to block a plan by Infinergy for 17 turbines at Tom na Clach on the Cawdor Estate.

Objections have already been raised to a planned 31-turbine development at Glenkirk being considered by the Scottish Government, and park officials say they are worried about the cumulative effect on the area if permission is given for both schemes.

Andrew Tait, a park authority planner, said the Tom na Clach wind farm would raise fewer concerns if it was the only one proposed in the area.

He said: "The scheme is not seen in isolation and I would express serious concern with regard to the potential cumulative impacts of wind farms that are built, consented and at planning stage."

He said concerns include the visual impact of the wind farms, and the effect on bird populations, including golden eagle, merlin, red kite and white-tailed eagle.

Next week campaigners opposing the project will hold a sponsored walk to help fund a film showing demonstrating the effect on the landscape.

Marc Woods, 15, from Nairn, who will be taking part with his family, said he wants to raise awareness of proposed developments which would "scar the landscape in the short and long term".

He added: "Not only the landscape will be affected, but it will terrorise the wildlife by destroying their natural habitat which has remained there for centuries.

"I think it's starting to get more difficult to find natural beauty, as more of it is spoilt by councils, power boards and developers who have little consideration for preserving the environment."