Only Three Wind Farm Sites in the Highlands

Highland Council has blown away seven potential wind farm sites in the north of Scotland and have approved only three preferred locations for giant wind farm parks involving hundreds of turbines.

While the prospect of a proliferation of wind turbines across large parts of the country has receded, those who oppose them totally are not satisfied. But Highland councillors accepted that wind farms provide an important source of renewable energy. As far as the council is concerned, however, they should be confined to sites in East Sutherland, Easter Ross and the Monadhliath mountains, near Inverness. There is also a hope that technology will lead to the development of offshore wind, tidal and wave power instead over the next decade. It remains to be seen whether the Scottish Executive in Edinburgh, which is keen to meet its renewable energy targets, will acquiesce to the Highland Council decision. The generating companies may well lodge an appeal with the government - which has the final say.

Original BBC Scotland News Article