VIDEO: Campaigners say this wildcat footage should scupper windfarm plan

Windfarm objectors on the Angus/Perth border have revealed rare footage of a wildcat in the protected area around a proposed 14-turbine development.

Along with raptors, the animals are enshrined in national guidance forbidding the development of windfarms near sensitive sites.

Protestors against the Saddle Hill development near Kilry believe the footage shows the familiar stripes and large tail of a wildcat.

The footage was taken by Ben Sutcliffe, who manages Cray House in Blairgowrie.

Campaigner Mike Morris said: “We have argued before that these animals are present in the glen and this is confirmation.

“I wish that the presence of wildcat be taken as an absolute reason to reject the planning application.”

The proposed Saddle Hill windfarm almost three miles north-west of Kilry would comprise up to 14 turbines (2MW) with a height of 377ft.

Wind Prospect Developments Ltd, on behalf of EDF Energy Renewables, has submitted a planning application to both Angus Council and Perth and Kinross Council.

For more on this story, see Monday’s Courier.