Wind farm opposition mounting

Opponents of a proposed large-scale wind farm in Armadale have welcomed support from across the far north coast.

And they made clear that a recent move to axe three turbines from the scheme has not assuaged concerns about the impact it would have on residents.

Melvich Community Council is the latest to object to Brookfield Renewables UK Ltd’s plans to put up nine 150-metre high turbines on hill land and common grazings overlooking Armadale and the A836 – part of the North Coast 500.

Armadale Windfarm Action Group spokesperson Detta Velvis welcomed the unanimous support from the community council.

It follows opposition registered by the community councils of Bettyhill, Strathnaver & Altnaharra; Armadale & Strathy; and Caithness West.

"That means we have the support of the community representatives along the coast from Bettyhill to Scrabster," she said.

Ms Velvis, of Armadale House, Armadale, said the cut in the number of turbines from 12 to nine had not lessened opposition.

She has obtained information from Brookfield about the distances the turbines would be from the medical centre in Armadale.

While one of the three removed from the scheme had been the closest, she said five in the revised lay-out would still be within two kilometres of the centre.

She said: "The centre is a workplace and I have seen guidance from Highland Council that turbines should not be within two kilometres of amenities, workplaces or residential properties.

"They are far too close to the centre and to houses in the village. They took the closest one out and thought that would keep us happy but that is certainly not the case."

The action group is to meet on Monday afternoon with Brookfield representatives who will then meet local community councillors