North from Dunn brae: The largely unaffected corridor between Thurso and Wick
Crunch time for Caithness!
Object to i) Banniskirk substation ii) Swarclett Wind Farm
This is a continuing plea to object to two very important applications, both now ‘under consideration’ – that is, objections can now be submitted. Although very different, our view is that both are absolutely critical in that in each case, if approved, the prospects for Caithness are dire. Both are likely to result in a flood of further applications and in the case of the Swarclett application, one of the few remaining areas not blighted by turbines will be under serious attack. We put links below to guidance and advice on how to make your objections. These will also get you links to the full applications on the Highland Council site. Please help us with objections to these two applications.
Banniskirk substation is enormous and will overwhelm the area around Spittal. In order to give you some idea of the size, we’ve superimposed the substation land area onto a map of Wick. (Thurso version here!). Much worse than the size though, is that, if approved it will open the door to yet more applications and also help reinforce the case for the awful pylons. The deadline for objections is 26th January 2025.
Banniskirk objection advice from Highland Renewables Database
Swarclett Wind Farm is an application for two 150m turbines right in the faces of the residents of the Bowertower area. Inhuman in concept, there are ten residences within 1500m of the turbines with four properties at around 800m. The application is of huge significance in terms of what might follow if it is approved. The land corridor between Olrig Hill and Wick is largely unaffected by energy installations. Closing date for objections is Friday 7th February 2025.
Swarclett objection advice from No! To Swarclett campaign (two pages) and
Swarclett objection thoughts from Highland Renewables Database
Want to know more about the issues? Go to the No! to Swarclett website or for Banniskirk, read this excellent article by journalist Alan Hendry
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This is Highland Council's map that invites applications for Wind Turbines in any of the areas coloured blue. That's right, peat is given more protection than people! In 2021 when the plan was revised, protective bubbles such as those enjoyed by the residents of Halkirk, Thurso , Castletown and Wick were removed from the likes of Dunbeath and Watten. Meanwhile, if you'd like to read about our thoughts on how rural residents are treated, try this article.
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.