Grid connection

The consented wind farm scheme requires a maximum power export of 51MW. The 132 kV line between Mossford and Beauly will carry the power from the wind farm scheme.

Ecology

Following consultation with relevant organisations, including Scottish Natural Heritage, the RSPB and Highland Council, ecological surveys were commissioned and conducted on and around the site as part of the consenting process.

Bird surveys covered seasonal visitors as well as those that nest locally. In addition, specific surveys for water vole, otter, pine marten and badger were carried out as well as a fisheries habitat survey. Invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and mammals were also observed and recorded.

The results of those surveys enabled the design of the wind farm to avoid areas that may impact on any sensitive habitat for bird, animal and plant species. In December 2008, the site gained consent from the Scottish Government, with conditions to continue to monitor the impact on a number of sensitive species, which Eneco are conducting as part of the continued development of the site.

Visual impact

A landscape and visual assessment considered the nature of the existing landscape and the scenic qualities in and around the proposed site in order to design a layout which minimises these impacts.

Photomontages and computer-generated ‘wireframes’ of the wind farm were reported in the Environmental Statement from a range of different viewpoints demonstrating varying levels of visibility.

The revised scheme sought to reduce visual impact in areas closest to the project particularly from the northern end of the site. This proved acceptable to Scottish Government and the key consultees when the site gained consent in December 2008.

Construction

Construction of the wind farm will take approximately 18 months with activities largely restricted to the site itself. It is anticipated that the wind farm will have a 25-year life, with removal of the wind turbines and associated equipment when operations cease. The access route for construction traffic starts at Cromarty Firth Port at Invergordon and includes the local access road to the A9(T) Tomich Junction, the A9(T) to Tore roundabout and the A832(T) to the proposed site access on the northern end of the site near the Loch Glascarnoch Dam. The delivery of larger components will be subject to a range of mitigation measures in order to minimise delays on local roads.

Other environmental issues

In addition to ecology, other important environmental studies were conducted in consultation with all relevant organisations.