Energy company says feedback shows supply chain support for Cairnmore Hill wind farm
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A renewable energy company seeking to build a wind farm near Thurso says an online consultation event has shown support for the proposal from the local supply chain.
RES sought feedback on its redesigned Cairnmore Hill scheme – planned for a site less than three miles west of the town – and said it was "really pleased with the level of engagement".
The company wants to build five turbines, each with a maximum tip height of up to 138.5 metres. A previous application for eight turbines at the same site was turned down by the local authority.
Opponents have claimed it would be "a blot on the landscape" and would be seen from many parts of Caithness and Orkney.
RES says the wind farm would create over £10 million in business rates and inward investment. It claims the new proposal addresses some of the concerns previously raised and will provide a range of social, economic and environmental benefits.
More than 144 unique visits to the online exhibition were recorded during the four-week consultation period which closed earlier this month and around 25 comment forms were received with people’s thoughts on the proposal.
RES development project manager Euan Hogg said: “We’ve held a number of phone and video calls over the last few weeks with local residents, members of the wider community and local businesses who wanted to understand more about the project.
"We’re really pleased with the level of engagement and would like to thank all those who took the time to talk to us, share their views and submit comments on the redesigned scheme.
“It has also been interesting to engage with the local supply chain, understand the extensive onshore wind expertise within Caithness and hear the support for the proposal from local businesses.
"We continue to believe that Cairnmore Hill offers excellent potential for a wind farm development and can help support a ‘green recovery’ within the region.
"With the COP26 event in Glasgow, Scottish Government ambitions for a further 8-12 GW of onshore wind by 2030 and Scotland’s legally binding 2045 net-zero emissions targets, there has never been a greater need for projects like Cairnmore Hill.”
Hugh Simpson, director of Wick-based Hugh Simpson Contractors Ltd, said: “The supply chain in Caithness is unique and we are just one of a large number of local businesses with proven skills and capabilities within the wind industry, so the inward investment potential from a project like Cairnmore Hill is significant.
"RES has a strong track record of working with the local supply chain and we’ve been impressed with their engagement so far. I would encourage any local businesses with relevant skills to get in touch with RES so that, should the project go ahead, it delivers as much benefit as possible to the local area and Caithness as a whole.”
RES says it will carefully review the feedback, together with findings from site survey work and key consultee responses, to help shape and refine the design over the coming months before submitting a planning application to Highland Council later this year.
The company points out that the site is in an area identified by the council as having "potential for wind farm development".
The wind farm would produce 21 megawatts of electricity.
