Highlanders deserve say on Loch Tay windfarms, says politician

The residents of Highland Perthshire feel “powerless against the march of Scottish Government sanctioned wind developments”, according to Tory MSP Murdo Fraser.

He was speaking out after it was revealed that West Coast Energy is preparing an application for up to 40 turbines near Loch Tay.

The Crossburns windfarm, on the Urlar Estate, lies east of Kenmore and south of Aberfeldy.

Highland Perthshire is home to large wind farm developments at both Griffin and Calliacher.

In 2010, the Calliacher project was twice refused planning permission by Perth and Kinross Council.

Now, an extension to Calliacher is proposed in addition to the new Crossburns project.

The Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP said: “Local residents must have their voice heard when a decision is made on this latest proposal.

“The cumulative environmental impact of siting so many large turbines near an area of natural significance must be considered.”

West Coast Energy say they are at a very early stage in the development of the proposal and are keen for local people to have their say during consultation.