Wind farms march across north

If all the plans in the pipeline are approved, the region would see more than 240 wind turbines being built, generating 630 megawatts of power.

It would also mean the area would reach saturation coverage, with the existing electricity grid reaching capacity.

The Highland Council is now calling for the Scottish Executive to give urgent strategic guidance on how many developments can be sustained in the region as Scotland seeks to increase significantly its renewable output.

The council says the Highlands is being targeted by an increasing number of renewable energy companies keen to exploit the abundant natural resources. However, while the Executive is currently setting national targets for the growth of the renewable energy sector, these are not at present translated into regional targets .

Last week, residents living near proposed wind farms called for a moratorium on further developments until a national strategy is agreed. They claimed Scotland is being used as a "wind farm for England" and that local authorities are unwilling or unable to assess the wider impact of approving individual wind farms.

The Executive has set a target of increasing the amount of electricity produced from renewable sources from the current 12 per cent to 40 per cent by 2020.

At present, the region has just one wind farm operating, National Wind Power’s 34-turbines development at Novar, Evanton, with an output of 17 megawatts.

Plans for four others have been approved and are awaiting construction, another four applications are being processed and six are known to be waiting in the wings.

A plan by Amec Wind to build 27 machines with 47MW output at Edinbane on Skye, was approved recently despite strong opposition.

Last month, the council also approved a plan from National Wind Power to erect 24 turbines with 48MW output at Causeymire, Caithness, which was the subject of a protest by residents.

Fivestone Ltd also has permission for two machines with a 2MW output at Forss, by Thurso, and landowner Tony Hall has approval for 15 machines with 9MW output at Buolfruich, Dunbeath in Caithness.

Planning applications have also been submitted by Scottish Power for ten machines with 17MW output at Borrowston, Dounreay, and for 20 machines with an output of 35MW at Beinn Thorsuinn, Easter Ross.

National Wind Power wants 45 machines with an output of 90MW at Farr, near Inverness, and Renewable Development Company is seeking permission for 14 machines with an output of 21MW at Ben Aketil, Dunvegan, on Skye.

The council is also anticipating further applications from National Wind Power to extend the Novar site, from Scottish and Southern Energy for a development at Gordonbush, Brora; from Renewable Energy Systems to develop at Dunmaglass, Strathnairn, near Inverness, and to extend the planned farm at Forss, and from British Energy for a development at Schoolary, Mey, Caithness.

In addition, North British Windpower has publicised plans for a 50-machine development, with a 100MW output, on the Skelpick Estate, near Bettyhill, although an application has yet to be lodged.

John Rennilson, the council’s planning director, said: "At present, the unknown factor is how much of Scotland’s renewable energy is expected to be generated in Highland.

"No targets have been set by the Scottish Executive and the council believes it requires strategic guidance on this key issue."

The authority wants to see investment in the strengthening of the electricity grid in the Highlands, particularly on the main route between Beauly and Denny, Stirlingshire, via the Great Glen and Dalwhinnie, as well as improvements between Dounreay and Inverness and also along the north coast of Sutherland.

The council also wants to ensure that, if there is to be significant activity in turbine production, a manufacturing facility is set up in the Inner Moray Firth, possibly at the disused oil fabrication yards, as well as benefits to the affected communities.