Wick Assembly Rooms, Wednesday 23rd July 5pm

Edward Mountain MSP is one of the seven regional MSPs for the Highlands and Islands Region. He also serves as the Convenor of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee. Many people have contacted him regarding concerns about the effects of new electricity infrastructure in the region.  In our experience, he always responds and with genuine concern for our plight.  Edward has arranged a meeting in Wick to hear our views. The meeting is free and open to all but you do need to book a ticket at -

 https://www.edwardmountainmsp.scot/energy-infrastructure-meeting

Let them know that you're not "On the Beach"!

Another holiday period and another sudden flurry of energy infrastructure applications! Coincidence? No we don’t think so either. So if you are able, please make a special effort to make them aware that you are not ‘on the beach’ by putting in objections and encouraging others also.  Listed below are applications to object to based on the lists maintained through Highland Renewables Database with links to further details and guidance on framing your objections. Remember objections don’t necessarily have to be long and detailed but must include your name and address and that fact that you object.

 Achies BESS - 162MW Battery Storage HC ref25/02382/S36 ECU refECU00006111 01 August 2025

Get Highland Renewables Database guidance here.  Send email to https://www.energyconsents.scot/  with reference ECU00006111

A set of applications by SSEN for temporary changes: as Highland Renewables Database point out “they should be objected to on the grounds that they should be included in the EIA and the cumulative assessment of the 400kV OHL and HVDC cable trench.”

Construction of two temporary access points;  Halkirk; 25/02512/FUL by 01 August 2025

Construct temporary road junctions;  Wester, Wick; 25/02353/FUL  deadline not yet set

Temporary works compound; Georgemas, Halkirk; 25/02502/FUL by 01 August 2025

Temporary storage yard; Berriedale; 25/02143/FUL  (retrospective application and no date set)

It doesn't take long to push out 4 objection emails for these to eplanning@highland.gov.uk !

Laydown area at Thrumster for Goliticlay - Here’s another that is on the way and for which the Environmental Assessment can now be scrutinised - found under the documents tab here.  There are approaching 4000 construction vehicle movements associated with this application, mostly relating to 'aggregate import'.  Application is Formation of temporary laydown area...re Golticlay at Thrumster;  25/02124/FUL; Objections to eplanning@highland.gov.uk by 17th August 2025

Tormsdale Wind Farm - What a fiasco! If you haven't objected yet, now is a great time to do so!  Do read Highland Renewables Database history and guidance on this.  Submit objections before 10th August in the following unique fashion -

“Objectors have to re-evaluate the proposal and resubmit an objection to Mrs Rebecca Brown, Rebecca.Brown2@gov.scot, stating the DPEA reference number WIN-270-23, their own name and address.”

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Interested in helping to save the landscape and rural environment of Caithness?

Save Caithness has two main aims: i) to embark on carefully selected specialist campaigns intended to take a pro-active approach to protecting our rural environment and raising awareness of the serious issues faced by residents and wildlife and ii) to provide useful general guidance on how to object to energy related planning applications along with facilitating access to more detailed information about current applications  Stay updated about our activities by signing up for our mailing list here.