Stuart Young was speaking in the wake of RWE npower renewables getting the green light to put up 12 turbines in the north-east of Caithness.

In May 2007 the Highland Council refused planning consent for the £30 million-plus scheme on a tract of forested peatland on the Hill of Stroupster, just off the main A99 near Auckengill.

But the energy firm has won its appeal to add to the growing number of wind-farm approvals in Caithness.

RWE claims the scheme will help the Scottish and UK governments' drive to create far more energy from renewable resources to help tackle climate change. The firm anticipates its development will inject £10m into the local economy and create up to 80 construction and three operational jobs.

Objectors counter that the turbines - standing 113 metres to blade-tip - will be a prominent eyesore, a nuisance for nearby residents and bad news for tourism.

In his findings, following a five-day hearing in Wick, inquiry reporter Mike Shiel ruled that there is no compelling reason to oppose the scheme. He did not believe there would be any significant detrimental effects on visual or residential amenity. He also disputed Scottish Natural Heritage's objection which cited the cumulative effect of turbine clusters in Caithness.

Mr Shiel pointed out that this would be the only wind farm in the north-east of the county and took issue with SNH's view that the development would potentially create "a wind farm landscape".

The reporter concluded: "Whilst it (the wind farm) would be highly visible, it would not have a significantly detrimental effect on individual or community residential amenity or on the scenery of the area.

"It would be prominent from tourist routes, notably the A99, and certain viewpoints but I do not consider it would significantly detract from the visual experience of visitors to the area.

"Given its inland location, the wind farm would not impinge on narrow areas of land between roads and open water and I do not believe it would significantly affect views of the coast from tourist routes and visitor attractions."

He also failed to uphold objections that the scheme would damage the area's breeding grounds for rare birds or its protected peatlands.

Mr Young, of Caithness Windfarm Information Forum, is bitterly disappointed by the latest in a series of rulings in the Far North which have gone the way of developers.

He said: "We set out what we thought were strong cases and it's now very difficult for us to see what the criteria are for turning down a wind farm.

"The reporter considers that the Caithness landscape is not worth preserving. He acknowledges that a number of families will suffer a long-term detrimental impact on their amenity but the effect will not be overbearing and is therefore acceptable. It is just unfortunate if you happen to be one of them."

Mr Young said similar verdicts were reached in recent decisions on wind farms at Westfield, Dunbeath and Bettyhill.

"What is really galling is that each of these involved iconic views and significant, unacceptable impacts on nearby residents," he stated. "Approving them appears to indicate that there doesn't seem to be anything you can put forward that can turn down a wind farm. People don't seem to matter a toss."

The go-ahead has delighted RWE and local supporters of the development.

Bill Mowat, who represented the views of 40 or so people from Freswick and Auckengill at the inquiry, said the development is good news for the area.

"I think it sends a signal that north-east Caithness is in the business of the renewable energy industry," he stated.

Mr Mowat, who served the area for 16 years on the former Highland Regional Council, said wind and marine energy can provide much-needed jobs and income in his home parish.

"My argument is that you can't do a sort of pick 'n' mix with renewables - you are either for renewables or against them," he said.

Mr Mowat, who is chairman of Gills Harbour Ltd, said RWE's scheme offers the area its biggest single inward investment.

Windfall payments from the community benefit fund, he explained, would provide welcome backing for plans such as the daycare centre for the elderly at Canisbay and efforts to promote the area's archaeology and natural resources.

At the inquiry, Mr Mowat claimed the 12 turbines would be "attractive" and a potential tourist draw.

In his submission, he stated: "I must say I'm impressed with both the gracefulness of modern wind towers and believe their rotating blades may add interest to the panoramic views over the Gill Burn peat-moss with the Morven range in the far distance.

"The presence on the ground of these attractive towers is also a sign that caring people live there: communities that do not shirk from a realisation that they are assisting - in their own small way - in meeting the pressing global challenge of reducing carbon dioxide outputs."

A ballot carried out two years ago in the parishes of Dunnet and Canisbay revealed 61 per cent of respondents were against the scheme.

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