An open letter has been sent to Aberdeenshire and Moray councils expressing concerns about the development of wind farms in the Upper Deveron Valley.
The document, signed by business owners, organisations and local politicians - including Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross - requests that an urgent landscape capacity study is undertaken into the effect these developments are having on rural communities.
It argues that previous studies, in the 2014 by Aberdeenshire Council and in 2017 by Moray Council, are out of date.
Several new developments have been permitted since they were undertaken, with a further four wind farms are in the process of being developed for consideration. Each proposed development consists of multiple turbines which rise up to 200 metres each and, if approved, would take the number of turbines in the area to 148.
The letter requests that the four current applications be put on hold pending a comprehensive review of existing and required capacity.
"Whilst recognising the requirement to meet the government’s net zero targets, the burden of the onshore wind farm schemes falls disproportionately upon small rural communities, the overriding sense is that local resident’s voices are not heard," the group stated.
"Given the intensity of developments already permitted across the area, there is growing concern that the fragile nature of the community is being damaged by over-development and the character of the area is being changed in ways that threaten to destroy the very things which make it so unique."
The Upper Deveron Valley is predominantly rural, with local ecology including peatlands, rivers, and a diverse wildlife population. The letter also noted several important archaeological sites, as well as a history in developing the nation's whisky industry.
"Surrounding the small communities of The Cabrach and Glass, arrays of wind turbines already dominate the landscape and local residents are affected by noise pollution and light flicker," it concluded. "Importantly, there are several regeneration initiatives underway, such as the Cabrach Distillery CIC and Highland Rewilding’s project at Beldorney, featured at COP27."
The letter's signatories include:
- Patti Nelson, chair, Cabrach Community Association.
- Henry Hillgarth, Belcherrie Farms Partnership.
- Alexander Burnett, MSP for West Aberdeenshire.
- Marion Ross, chair, Speyside Community Council.
- Professor Marc Day, Haugh of Glass
- Douglas Ross, MP for Moray and MSP for Highlands & Islands.
- Councillor Derek Ross, Speyside Ward Independent.
- Grant Gordon, chair, The Cabrach Trust.
- Alexander Burnett, MSP for West Aberdeenshire.
- Jack Ingleby, director, Aswanley.
- Richard Hammock, chair, Friends of Clash.
- Professor Julian Newman, Bogancloch Lodge
- Colin & Penny Mackenzie, owners, Castle on The Hill.
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