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| The remote site earmarked for up to 18 turbines each as high as 200 metres |
PROPOSALS to build a windfarm on a wilderness in north-west Britain could spark objections from birders and conservationists.
Although no planning application has yet been submitted by Edinbugh-based Galileo Empower, the company is exploring the potential for installing up to 18 turbines, each with a maximum height of up to 200 metres outside the coastal village of Kinlochbervie, near Cape Wrath which is the most north-westerly point of the British mainland.
Subject to technical studies, solar photovoltaic panels are also being considered at the location along with a battery energy storage system to hold the renewable energy that would be produced on the site.
However, this rugged landscape is thought to be a foraging habitat for Golden Eagles, White-tailed Eagles and possibly Dotterel and other rare moorland-nesting species, all of which may be at collision or disturbance risk from such a project.
It is likely also that Ospreys frequent the nearby Reay Forest Estate which is part of the Grosvenor land and property empire owned by the Duke of Westminster who is understood to have misgivings about the potential impact on the impact on the scenery and wildlife of what is an uspoiled part of Britain.
In advance of a planning application being submitted to the Highland Council, Galileo Empower says it will consult with statutory consultees such as NatureScot and Historic Environment Scotland.
It is likely that the RSPB Scotland will also be invited to comment.
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| Watery and wonderful - eagle's eye view of part of the Reay Forest Estate |
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