Concerns have been raised over the decision to approve plans for a new 22-turbine wind farm in the Highlands.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse granted development consent for the Creag Riabhach wind farm near Lairg in Sutherland on Monday, 17 October.

Once completed, the 72.6MW project will generate enough power for 36,000 homes, with estimated savings of 66,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.

However, Scottish charity John Muir Trust (JMT) is concerned the project could become a "trojan horse" and attract further large-scale industrial development into the area in the future.


Stuart Brooks, Chief Executive of the JMT, said: "Naturally, we are very disappointed and concerned. This is the first such development to be consented within the boundaries of the Wild Land Areas map since it was agreed in 2014.

"The decision flies in the face of a series of previous decisions by the Scottish Government, refusing consent to similar applications impacting on Wild Land Areas.

"This is not a few small community-owned turbines. It is a major industrial development, including giant turbines, access roads and transmission infrastructure, which will almost certainly lead to the redrawing of the boundary of Wild Land Area 37.

"We are concerned that this project will become a Trojan Horse, attracting further large–scale industrial development into the area in the future, leading to further diminishing of the qualities of this wild place which attract visitors from around the world. We also fear that the decision could set a precedent for other Wild Land Areas."

(LM/MH)