Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has confirmed it is maintaining its objection to a proposed 47-turbine wind farm near Strathy in Sutherland.
The organisation has expressed concerns over potential impacts the development would have on bird species including hen harrier, red-throated diver, golden eagle and greenshank during the breeding season.
SNH has also asked for seven turbines to be removed from the proposal due to likely impacts on black throated diver and wood sandpiper. The organisation has asked the developer, Scottish and Southern Energy, for more information needed to assess the impacts on internationally important blanket bog habitat and bird species.
Dave Mackay, SNH’s area operations manager said: “Renewable energy can help tackle the effects of climate change. Our role is to provide information and advice to help decision makers balance the needs of the industry with those of nature and landscape, and get the right developments in the right places.
“We have given advice to the Scottish Government on this case since 2007. In light of the potential negative impacts on both habitats and species of international importance, we are maintaining our objection.”
“In the meantime we are continuing to talk with the developer about issues where we need further information before we can fully assess this proposal.”
Pixie Energy is an incubator and a facilitator of strategic research and project work, focusing on energy regulation, policy and markets at the local and national level. Find out more about Pixie Energy