Well done Strathdearn! SCC received 184 replies to their wind farm survey – an absolutely fabulous response from a community our size. This will lend huge authority to the representations made on our behalf by SCC to the Scottish Government planning department.
The information has been analysed and compiled by WMG Consultancy Ltd into a detailed report which can be downloaded below. A breakdown of responses for each wind farm is given. However the report begins with a section on the cumulative impact of all six proposals and the authors provide the following summary of community feeling:
People’s approach to ranking the proposed wind farm sites reflects a complex mix of personal, environmental, and community concerns.
A dominant theme is proximity to homes and the village of Tomatin, with many ranking sites like Clune and Kyllachy poorly due to their closeness, which is expected to result in visual, noise, and light pollution. Several responses reflect personal impact, such as views being spoiled or property values being affected.
Wildlife and environmental concerns are also significant, particularly regarding protected species like golden eagles and the importance of preserving wild land. Sites such as Highland and Clune were heavily criticised for their location in sensitive habitats or scenic areas, which respondents felt would be irreversibly damaged.
Many people expressed a general opposition to further wind farm development, arguing that the area has already contributed significantly to renewable energy. Some questioned the effectiveness and fairness of wind farms, noting that the financial benefits often go to absent landowners, while locals endure the consequences.
There were a few who acknowledged the need for renewable energy but still wanted developments to be placed on existing or less visible infrastructure—such as at Lynemore or Carn na Saobhaidh—rather than introducing turbines into untouched landscapes.
A small number of responses showed support for wind energy, noting it can bring community benefits and be unobtrusive once built.
In summary, rankings were mainly shaped by perceived visual and noise impact, ecological sensitivity, proximity to residences, and fairness of benefit distribution, with strong sentiment that some proposals are deeply inappropriate for the local context.
