Watten wind farm developer 'wants to work with Caithness communities'
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A revised plan for a wind farm at Watten will be put to the public at two new consultation events next month.
EDF Renewables UK has made a number of changes to its initial proposals for the site 3km south-west of the village.
The number of turbines has been reduced from "up to eight" to "up to seven".
The company says that technical and environmental studies have been taking place since the initial round of exhibitions in June, to inform the most appropriate size and layout for a wind farm in this location.
Watten wind farm would include up to seven 6.6MW turbines, with tip heights of up to 220m. It would have a total generating capacity of up to 47.6 MW, enough electricity to meet the average annual domestic needs of over 25,000 homes.
The project would also include a battery storage facility which EDF says would help improve energy security.
The original plans were criticised by Scotland Against Spin (SAS) chairman Graham Lang who said the large turbines would destroy the landscape and affect property prices.
Sarah Dooley, principal project development manager in Scotland for EDF Renewables UK, said: “We are keen to hear the community’s views on the updated wind farm plans and the visualisations which form part of the exhibition.
“We have a strong track record of working closely with communities around our wind farms and we are keen to continue our approach here in Caithness.”
EDF Renewables UK already operates 10 onshore wind farms across Scotland, including the Corriemoillie wind farm in Ross-shire.
The public exhibitions will enable the firm to gather information from the local community about the final proposed layout, as well as to hear views from those who live near the proposed wind farm.
There will also be an opportunity to find out about the community benefit fund that would be established alongside the development.
The public exhibitions will take place at Spittal Village Hall on Tuesday, November 8, and at Watten Village Hall on Wednesday, November 9, from 2pm to 7pm each day.
