Strathdearn saw its first operational wind farm in 2006. Four more wind farms have followed with turbines, access tracks, power lines and a large substation at Garbole. ‘Clean’ wind across the high rolling hills of the Monadhliath and willing landowners makes our community an attractive prospect for wind farm developers. Access to Inverness harbour and the A9 makes construction easier and electrical grid connections are already in place.
The benefits of green energy are well documented and supported by the Scottish and British governments through their Net Zero target(s). Critics point to weaknesses – times when there is insufficient energy because the wind does not blow or too much for the grid to handle when it is very windy and under-investment in wave, tidal and nuclear power.
Although offshore wind farms are growing fast, onshore wind farms are still the cheapest and easiest to build.
In Strathdearn existing turbines are, mostly, on high plateaus and basins out of sight of our homes. Wind farm operators provide voluntary community benefit payments set over 20 years ago at £5,000 per Mw. We have used this benefit monies to help build the hub, community shop and café, build affordable housing, install fibre broadband, create paths, support local children through the primary school, provide grants for individuals and groups and community events.
We learned in 2025 that further new wind farm developments in Strathdearn have entered the national planning system for decision. These new developments could also include 230m high turbines – more than twice the height of existing ones. If approved, they will break skylines and be visible from many more places in Strathdearn. They also need aircraft lighting and may have battery storage structures at their base. More access tracks and above ground wires will be required. Over the projected 40-year lifespans, their individual and collective impact would be much greater than what we currently see. Developers have said they would provide voluntary community benefit payments including electricity discount schemes and share ownership.
Your Community Council is required to gather and represent the views of all community members on these new developments to Scottish Ministers and a very successful survey was carried out in 2025 on the proposed schemes in the system at that time. We have now had two new applications under consideration and we felt it appropriate that a further survey was conducted.
We would appreciate if you could take the time to consider these new proposals at Glen Markie and Glenkirk and provide written comment where possible. Please visit our Wind Farm Feedback page and fill in the questionnaire(s).
Ideally your comments should focus on ‘Material Considerations’. These include design and appearance, wildlife, nature, noise, landscape, well-being etc and compliance with existing policies.
The following links and information aim to help you make an informed opinion on these ongoing wind farm developments. Let’s start with a map which is a great visual aid to understanding the overall picture:
CLICK HERE FOR detailed map of all the windfarm proposals in Strathdearn
2025 Survey of residents views on 6 windfarm proposals
Developer Websites
These are the home websites for each wind farm. They contain maps, visualisations and timelines, also technical data such as number and height of turbines, power output, etc.
Established Wind Farms:
Farr Wind Farm
Tom nan Clach Wind Farm
Moy Wind Farm
Dunmaglass Wind Farm
Glen Kyllachy
Proposed wind farms:
Clune Windfarm
Highland Wind Farm
Balnespick Wind Farm
Lynemore Wind Farm
Kyllachy Wind Farm
Carn Na Saobhaidh (Glen Mazaran)
Latest applications:-
Glenkirk Wind Farm – Energie Kontor
Glenmarkie Windfarm (Vattenfall)
Government Websites
Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit
Government considerations when assessing applications for wind farms with capacity in excess of 50 megawatts, overhead lines, wayleaves, and compulsory purchase orders. Also includes contact info for members of the public to make representations.
Applications for variation of section 36 consents
Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 (“the 1989 Act”) applies to proposals for the construction, extension or operation of an onshore electricity generating station whose capacity exceeds (or, when extended, will exceed) 50 megawatts (MW). This document provides guidance on the process for varying the consents granted under this Act.
Wind farms and the environment
John Muir Trust Wind farm FAQs
The John Muir Trust is a leading voice for the UK’s wild places. We are dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of the UK’s wild places, for the benefit of all. 13 FAQs exploring wind farm impact on wild life, peatlands, woodlands, biodiversity, etc
NatureScot (Advice about environmental impact)
The website provides advice to wind farm developers. This page lists links to “all of our standing advice and guidance documents, as well as to some key guidance documents published by other organisations. These can help both developers and planners to deliver the right development in the right place, by minimising impacts on nature and securing the benefits that nature can provide.“ The information is similarly useful to people wishing to check that developers are respecting our environment! The documents include lists of protected species, bird and animal habitats, sections on peatland, forestry, landscape, air polution, environmental impact assessment, and much more.
Miscellaneous
Detailed map of 6 windfarm proposals in Strathdearn
Download Map showing locations of proposed developments and cumulative impact – centred on Tomatin
Local Electricity Discount Schemes (LEDS)
“Local electricity discount schemes (LEDS) can be designed to provide an annual discount on the electricity bills of consumers living near participating wind farms. A scheme of this nature is one way of channeling funds received as part of the community benefit fund that wind farm operators share with communities living near wind farms.”
Local Energy Scotland
A consortium that administers and manage the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). “Through CARES, we offer a range of financial support and advice to community groups to get local energy projects up and running. Our service is free and impartial, and we will support you at every stage – from initial planning, through development and funding applications, right up to and beyond the launch.”
Scotland Against Spin (Protection for the Scottish Landscape)
“We are the national voice for all those who seek real protection for the Scottish landscape as it is a key part of our national heritage, an important natural and economic asset and a valued amenity for residents and visitors alike. SAS is against the spin of the turbines, the spin of the developers and their lobbyists, and the spin of the Scottish Government.”
