A Perthshire hill fort made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the location of a wind farm development proposing to construct Perthshire’s tallest wind farm.
The owners of the Bandirran Estate and green energy company Banks Renewables have submitted a joint application to develop a “community” wind project near Balbeggie and close to the historic fort on Dunsinane Hill, celebrated in the Bard’s “Scottish play”. The developers are planning to erect six turbines, each up to 132 metres high.
The development has sparked an outcry among residents and anti-windfarm campaigners, who believe it will overshadow the scenic Sidlaw Hills in Perthshire and the hill fort that was made famous when, in the early 1600s, William Shakespeare wrote: “Macbeth shall never vanquished be, until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him”.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser believes that this development is indicative of the rush for wind that has led to developers picking unsuitable sites.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Six massive wind turbines are proposed for the initial development. These would be over twice the height of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh and out of all proportion to the surrounding landscape.
“These turbines will have a huge impact on the surrounding area and will be visible from large parts of central eastern Scotland.
“The Sidlaw hills are not just enjoyed by local residents but by the thousands of tourists who flock to the area for its natural beauty and the history of Macbeths hill fort.
“The unspoilt views of this historic landscape from Macbeth’s Castle, and from other parts of the Sidlaw range will be diminished if this windfarm is given the go-ahead.”