Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has called for cross-party support to defeat a proposed wind farm on land included within Scottish Natural Heritage’s “Wild Land Map”.
In June the SNP confirmed that 19 per cent of the country, identified as national parks or national scenic areas, will be out of bounds to wind farm developers.
The first test of this legislation is set to come in the form of the planned development at Talladh-a-Bheithe. The area is just 2km north of the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area and if constructed the turbines will be visible from over 30 Munros including the popular Schiehallion mountain. Both the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and the John Muir Trust have opposed the planning application.
Murdo has submitted a motion in the Scottish Parliament, which pending support, is intended for debate in the chamber.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said;
“The Scottish Government must use this application to send out a clear message to other developers that wild land is not for wind farms.
“In June I cautioned that despite the Government’s new planning guidelines, wind developments will still be possible on wild land. The Scottish Government must toughen their stance to ensure that our precious wilderness is kept beautiful. If they fail to do so, their planning guidelines published in June will amount to little more than hollow words.
“It is absolutely critical that areas of natural beauty are protected and rural residents must have a say on wind farms that are planned for their doorstep.”
David Gibson, Chief Officer, Mountaineering Council of Scotland;
“The determination of this application by Ministers is a test case. Clearly it will test the effectiveness of the new planning policy but it will also be a test of Scottish Government’s resolution and stated intent to protect Scotland’s rapidly diminishing wild land.
“On behalf of our members and others who cherish and enjoy wild land we call on their elected representatives to engage in the debate and support the motion.”