North-east Caithness targetted again

On the 30 September 2026 the North Planning Application Committee decided to permit the application for the Lochend Wind Farm extension. This is five additional turbines of 150m whose swept area represents a near six fold increase on what is currently in place from the existing four turbines of 100m. Plus a battery energy storage scheme (BESS). This will have a dramatic affect on the local landscape. Unusually, many of the nearby Lochend residents were signed up (bribed?) by the developer.

This illustrates the concern that there has been long-standing ‘behind-the-scenes’ encouragement to developers by Highland Council, to industrialise the north-east corner of Caithness, without regard for landscape or residents. No consultation, simply a policy of open season in this area. How can anyone defend the siting of the massive battery storage schemes in a pristine rural landscape near Mey?  Which makes it all the more important to lodge objections to the adjacent Charleston Energy Park. It is also close to the tiny community of Barrock.  Please lend them your assistance by submitting an objection.

Please object - Charleston Energy Park

This is a 30MW (Wind) and 25MW (Battery). For this to be submitted directly via the ECU and not Highland Council is an example of the unfair fight that we are in. That is, it is basically capable of generating 30MW so less than the generating limit of 50MW that directs applications to the ECU.  Why it should be an application to ECU can only be based on a disingenuous interpretation of the rules. Batteries don’t generate - they store energy to be released when other sources are not available!

There are 5 turbines of 180m proposed -  a further impact on the landscape around Lochend and Barrock and dwarfing the existing four 100m turbines at Lochend.

The Environmental Impact Assessment can be viewed at

https://www.koehlerrenewableenergy.com/en/portfolio/charleston-windfarm-en

or via the 'Documents' tab at https://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx?cr=ECU00005190

The ECU application reference is ECU00005190   Closing date November 9th 2026

Our guide to objections is available and also our guide to using the ECU objections process

If anyone has local knowledge that might be helpful in formulating objections please let us know.  We can then put together more customised objections advice guidance and make it available here.

Strong message taken away by Japanese researchers!

An overview of our  meeting and participants is available here.

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!

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

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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.