New BESS application near Mybster

A new BESS application is currently ‘under consideration’.  It is sited right alongside the lovely Mybster-Westerdale road that is the main approach to the Flow Country from the east.

Please consider submitting an objection to this planning application.

You don’t have to say much! Just that you object and why.  As with most rural BESS applications, the basis for objections are likely to include landscape and environment issues, safety and question of need. You may find our ‘What to write in an objection’ guidance useful.  For those that live locally, there may be much more to be concerned about.

Email your objection to eplanning@highland.gov.uk

Subject:  Ref: 26/01345/FUL ; Formation of a battery storage facility with a capacity of up to 19.8MW and associated infrastructure

Remember to include your name and address.

The consultation period is currently set to end of Friday 15th May 2026

Link to Highland Council application details

Olrig Hill - Castletown Community Council

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, Castletown CC met on Thursday 30th April at 7.30pm with Olrig Mains Windfarm on the agenda.   We're pleased to report that many used the opportunity to make their views known.  Here's a quote from the Chair of Castletown CC , Pip McIntosh

“The overwhelming turnout at our recent meeting has made one thing undeniably clear: the people of Castletown and surrounding areas are not invested in this application and do not want it. This isn't just about the visual blight of 200-metre, skyscraper-sized turbines scarring our horizon; it is about the significant safety risks posed by the associated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)."

As mentioned previously, there is a Facebook Group for Olrig Hill developments, Action Against Olrig Mains Windfarm + BESS. There is now an email to make contact with the campaign olrigwindfarm.action@outlook.com

Not everyone is a fan of social media!  To keep others informed we've created a simple web page which we will endeavour to keep updated.  Mostly we'll simply be reproducing key items from the Facebook site.  You can find it at https://www.savecaithness.org/olrig or from the menu above.

(We've provided some basic facilities for other applications previously,  such as for Lychrobbie .   If this approach might be useful for anyone, please get in touch if we can help.)

What does an AI bubble mean for Scotland?

Independent analysis of the considerable risks is required now.   The north of Scotland is an area that will pay a high price if the bubble bursts.  Policymakers are urged to urgently and more carefully analyse risks. 

Read/download the full article at: savecaithness.org/ai-bubble

Distribute the newsletter! ... as widely as possible.   Just forward to friends, groups etc.!  Save Caithness tries to go beyond the various Facebook groups to reach those who are concerned but have little interest in social media.

Stay updated about Save Caithness activities by signing up for our mailing list here

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you can help us or we can help you!

Interested in helping to save the landscape and rural environment of Caithness?

Save Caithness has two main aims: i) to embark on carefully selected specialist campaigns intended to take a pro-active approach to protecting our rural environment and raising awareness of the serious issues faced by residents and wildlife and ii) to provide useful general guidance on how to object to energy related planning applications along with facilitating access to more detailed information about current applications  Stay updated about our activities by signing up for our mailing list here.