[Letter sent to Strathdearn Community Council from Sam McMillan, Director, McMillan Consultancy Ltd]]

Dear Strathdearn Community Council,
I hope that this email finds you well. We are writing to provide a short update on activity relating to the Clune Wind Farm proposal and to invite community councillors to the first round of public exhibition events, planned for 18 and 19 March 2024.

Public Exhibition Events – March 2024
RES will be holding public exhibition events for the Clune Wind Farm as follows:

The Strathdearn Hub, Tomatin, IV13 7YN
Monday 18 March 2024, 2pm – 8pm

Carrbridge Village Hall, Main Road, Carrbridge, PH23 3AA
Tuesday 19 March 2024, 2pm – 8pm

The events are drop-in at any time.  For those unable to attend the exhibitions in-person, the exhibition boards and feedback form will be available from Monday 18 March on the project website at: www.clune-windfarm.co.uk
RES will place adverts for the events in the Strathspey Herald and Inverness Courier and also send out invitations to households and businesses near the proposed site.  We’ve attached a copy of the poster if the Community Council would like to consider sharing it on any social media channels to highlight the exhibition events.

Project Update
The proposal, located approximately 5.5km south of Tomatin, is currently for 27 turbines up to 200m to tip in height and with a capacity of approximately 194MW.  RES is accepting comments from this consultation round until 18 April and then expects to hold a second round of exhibitions in late Summer 2024 (after the school holidays).

The proposal includes a proposed community benefit package of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity (index linked), which would generate just under £1,000,000 per annum for the lifetime of the project and RES would welcome the chance to explore shared ownership opportunities of the development.

RES has recently become members of Highland Renewables and in February 2024 announced a partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to support a minimum of 60 students through their Student Development Fund.  RES wants to work with the local supply chain to deliver the wind farm if consented and will organise Meet the Developer events as the project progresses – if you know of any local businesses interested in getting involved, please highlight the contact details via the project website or pass on this email.

As outlined in the letter/email sent on 19 February, we would welcome the opportunity to attend a future community council meeting and please do come back with any queries.

Best wishes and many thanks,

Sam