Reporter Decides Against Calliachar Windfarm

In his precognition at the public inquiry, Murdo Fraser argued that the windfarm must be rejected because it would have a negative impact on the local tourism economy due to the damage it will cause to the scenery of the area.

Commenting, he said: “I welcome the news that the Calliacher windfarm application has been rejected. The Reporter has made it clear that the windfarm would have had an unacceptable visual impact on Glen Quaich and on Loch Freuchie. The proposed application was sited in the wrong area and would have damaged the local scenery, environment and tourism industry."

He continued: It would have been a mistake to give this windfarm proposal the green light. It is clear from the ruling today that this is not an appropriate location for a windfarm and that is why none should be built at Calliacher, even a downsized version. We had to go through a long, expensive and sapping public inquiry and then wait a long time for this decision. The last thing that people in Highland Perthshire need now is a new windfarm application.

Griffin Still Awaited
“I want to see Scotland lead the way in renewable technology, including onshore windfarms, but better guidelines are needed so that submitted windfarm applications are appropriate. Without the necessary guidelines, then it is inevitable that unacceptable applications like the one at Calliacher will arise.

“We are still waiting for the Griffin Forest windfarm decision, and I hope that this application is also rejected.”