The John Muir Trust is reportedly planning to challenge a decision made by the Highland Council regarding a proposed wind farm near Fort Augustus.

According to the BBC, the Trust is challenging the authority's decision to raise no objection to the planned development. It is thought 67 turbines would be erected under the project.

SSE Renewables is said to have plans to build up to 83 turbines at Stronelairg, close to its Glendoe hydro electric scheme, but Councillors voted not to oppose the project if certain conditions were agreed.


This includes a reduction in the size of the turbines.

However, the John Muir Trust has now lodged a petition with the Court of Session for a judicial review of the decision. It is arguing that the development will "destroy the character" of the nearby wild land.

Chairman John Hutchison is quoted by the BBC as saying: "This legal action is not directed against the councillors, who have to deal with multiple issues and are forced to rely on expert advice from officials.

"We believe the quality of the advice itself was flawed and fundamentally in conflict with the existing local and national planing policy – which states explicitly that authorities should safeguard the character of wild land areas.

"Since the decision was taken, the Scottish government has confirmed the existing protection of wild land and proposed a further strengthening of wild land protection."

(JP/CD)