Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has secured a parliamentary debate on the controversial Talladh-a-Bheithe wind farm and what its application means for Scottish wild land.
If given planning permission, the Talladh-a-Bheithe wind farm will be located just 2km north of the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area. The 125 metre 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.
Parliament will debate the motion on the 30th September.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said;
“The Scottish Government talk tough on protecting wild land but if approved Talladh-a-Bheithe will show just how hollow these words are.
“Government ministers must use this application to send out a clear message to 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. I hope this debate in parliament will pressurise the SNP into clarifying their stance on wild land and help publicise the inappropriate nature of the Talladh-a-Bheithe application.
“Scotland’s landscape is inextricably linked to our culture and must be protected. Above all rural residents must have their say on the wind farms that are planned for their doorstep.”
David Gibson, Chief Officer of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland said:
"We welcome the debate. Talladh-a-Bheithe is of major importance – not just because it is a test of ministers’ resolve to protect wild land, but also because this one development would significantly reduce the amount of remaining wild land in Scotland due to its massive visual impact when seen from across Rannoch Moor and the surrounding mountains.”