The Highland Council has refused the Cairnmore Hill Wind Farm proposal for the second time, using delegated powers to reject the five-turbine project located approximately 4.5 km west of Thurso in Caithness. Renewable energy company RES expressed “strong disappointment” at the decision, particularly as it was not taken to the local planning committee despite the project’s potential economic and environmental benefits.
Euan Hogg, RES development project manager, noted: “We carefully considered the council’s feedback on our previous 8-turbine proposal and significantly reduced the scheme in response to this, so we’re naturally disappointed by the refusal – particularly given the importance of projects like Cairnmore Hill amidst the climate change emergency we are facing.”
The project was designed to deliver around £1.4 million in inward investment and £8.75 million in business rates to the council over its operational lifetime. It also aimed to generate enough electricity for about 28,000 homes and achieve a 16% biodiversity net gain.
James Mackay, a resident living closest to the proposed site, expressed frustration with the decision, stating: “It’s a great location for a wind farm, the wind never stops blowing. Their decision means that we’re missing out on local construction jobs and contracts as well as much-needed funding for community groups in Forss and Thurso.”
The council’s refusal cited concerns over landscape character and visual impact for nearby properties and key views.
