Wathegar Wind Farm
Whirlwind is partnering with a group of local landowners to bring forward plans for a small wind farm at Wathegar, some 8km west of Wick in Caithness, Scotland.
We requested a scoping opinion from Highland Council in December 2008 and environmental studies for the site have been ongoing during 2009. It is our intention to submit a planning application for the project at the end of 2009.
The site is located on land between two operational 3-turbine wind farms at Flex Hill and Achairn. Five turbines of up to 101m to tip (with a total capacity of 10MW) are currently envisaged for the site. The layout has been informed by the environmental studies carried out at site with the aim of optimising the energy produced while minimising the environmental effects, including the visual impact.
Wathegar wind farm would produce enough electricity to meet the need of approximately 5,600 homes. If the scheme is consented, we are committed to establishing a community benefit fund which would provide income for the local residents to spend on local projects and initiatives.
Whirlwind invites people local to the scheme who may have queries or comments on the plans as currently envisaged to contact us.
In February 2010, a planning application and Environmental Statement was submitted to Highland Council in respect of Wathegar Wind Farm. A copy of the full Environmental Statement is available from us free of charge on DVD and hard copies are available on request, although a charge will be made to cover printing and postage costs.
A Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement is available to download.