Wind farm plan to go before Highland councillors

Plans for a 125-turbine wind farm off the north Caithness coast are to go before Highland councillors.

The West of Orkney Wind Farm site is 31 miles (50km) north west of Thurso and about 18 miles (30km) off the west of Orkney.

The Scottish government, which will have the final say on the planning application, has sought Highland Council's views.

Officials at the local authority have recommended councillors raise no objections when they discuss the project at a meeting next week.

Work on Offshore Wind Power Limited's project could start in 2028 and be operational in 2031, if it gets planning consent.

The wind farm would generate power for about two million homes and have a life span of 30 years.

The developer has identified a port at Scrabster, near Thurso, as a potential servicing base for the site.

Infrastructure needed to link the farm with the mainland's electricity grid would be constructed on the Highland coast.

Orkney Islands Council was asked for its views as a statutory consultee last year.

Councillors said a number of issues would need to be resolved through the planning process, including community benefit and the impact of the development on local housing.

Community benefit from renewable energy projects often comes in the form of grant assistance for local projects.

Conservation charity the RSPB has objected because its concerns about the potential impact on birds.

The Scottish Fishermen's Federation has also opposed the project due to concerns about how it might affect fishing grounds.