Strong message taken away by Japanese researchers!

We met recently with a team of researchers from Japan. Their interest was in the policy frameworks concerning climate change and renewable energy along with what specific concerns citizens have regarding wind power.  Also, how companies and government agencies respond to opposition from citizen groups. Caithness had been selected as one of their key areas of study. They departed Caithness with a strong message regarding the reality of issues relating to wind farm developments in the north of Scotland, and the problems of getting appropriate representation for rural communities.

By preceding our meeting with an on-site illustration of existing and planned developments, a very clear picture was provided. This included the proximity of planned turbines to rural residents and the devastating effect that would be rendered on the local landscape. From the western end of Bowertower Road, we were able to illustrate effects arising from Swarclett, Lochquoy and Olrig Hill to the west, and, to the north east, Lochend, Lochend extension, Charleston, Hollandmey, Slickly and Stroupster.  From their subsequent feedback and thanks:

“Through our conversation, I learned about the reality in the community—such as the lack of channels to make the residents' voices heard. It allowed me to see the wind power projects from the residents' perspective, which is something I could never have fully grasped just by reading government documents or speaking with other researchers." and

"Our discussion was extremely useful. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to hear directly about local perspectives on wind energy development in Caithness and the concerns raised by local communities. Your insights will be valuable for our research in Japan."

Help fight the pylons!

Dunbeath and Berridale community say NO to PYLONS group continue to work very hard.  They urgently need funds for professional representation etc.

You can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/dunbeath-and-berriedale-community-say-no-to-pylons.

 If you know people who might want to help,  please forward this email to them!

Olrig Hill Turbines

GSC Olrig Mains Ltd will be holding their second public event from 3pm to 7pm on Thursday 8th October at Castletown Drill Hall, KW14 8TU. Note that any comments that you make are simply to the company and form no part of any objections process. Further information www.olrigwindfarm.com.

Action Against Olrig Mains Windfarm Facebook Group

Strath Halladale - Forsinain Forest 200m+ turbines!

Deadline for objections is Wednesday 7th October 2026. (ECU ref ECU00004935)  Our guide to objections is available and also our guide to using the ECU objections process

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.

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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.