Rannoch Moor Wind Farm Rejected

© Dan Bailey

A proposed wind farm on the eastern fringe of Rannoch Moor has been rejected by the Scottish Government​. Thanks to its controversial location the Talladh-a-bheithe project drew vocal opposition. It has now been thrown out on a legal technicality.

The proposed wind farm would be up on the hills to the left of the photo  © Dan Bailey
The proposed wind farm would be up on the hills to the left of the photo
© Dan Bailey

The plan would have seen 24 giant wind turbines, together with bulldozed access tracks, buildings and infrastructure, built on an area of raised moorland between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht. The turbines would have been prominently visible from Schiehallion, the Ben Alder, Loch Tay, Glen Lyon and Drumochter massifs, and even from the A82 on the far side of Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe mountains such as Buachaille Etive Mor.

In light of this impact the Mountaineering Coucil of Scotland (MCofS) have welcomed news that the proposal has been ruled 'not competent' by Scottish Ministers.

A letter issued by the Scottish Government's Energy and Climate Change Directorate noted that the application was received on 23 June 2014, but that the applicant, Talladh-A-Bheithe Wind Farm Limited, was not registered as a company until 28th August that year. This discrepancy looks to have cost the would-be developers dear.

MCofS Director for Landscape and Access Dave Gordon said:

'Although the decision was based on a specific legal point, which meant that the application was not competent, many people thought the very idea of wind farm in such an unspoilt area was incompetent. We hope that Rannoch is now free forever from the threat of wind turbines and does not have to suffer repeated applications, as many communities have.'


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