Updated contents of our latest newsletter below...
Embedded Files
Charleston - many Barrock residents within 1500m of giant turbines
Charleston - many Barrock residents within 1500m of giant turbines
Is the Charleston Energy Park application a new low point in developer and applicants’ contempt for rural residents? 7 properties within 1000m and almost too many to count within 1500m. You will find the map shown is buried away at the end of ‘Volume 3 Technical Appendix 4-7 - Residential Visual Amenity Assessment - Part 1’.
Click on the map to enlarge
New! Great work by a local resident working with ObjectNow has made available a professionally produced objection for individual review. See what to do at Get help with Charleston objections
Please object - Charleston Energy Park
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 general guide to objections is available along with help with Charleston objections. Also, see 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.
North-east Caithness targetted again
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.
Strong message taken away by Japanese researchers!
Strong message taken away by Japanese researchers!
An overview of our meeting and participants is available here.
Help fight the pylons!
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?
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.
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.
Want to understand more about why the Pylons are not needed? Read this item and/or watch this video.
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!
This is Highland Council's map that invites applications for Wind Turbines in any of the areas coloured blue. That's right, peat is given more protection than people! In 2021 when the plan was revised, protective bubbles such as those enjoyed by the residents of Halkirk, Thurso , Castletown and Wick were removed from the likes of Dunbeath and Watten. Meanwhile, if you'd like to read about our thoughts on how rural residents are treated, try this article.
check out our page on visualisations
Get background information on rural representation or stay notified about Caithness Area Local Plan developments
Interested in helping to save the landscape and rural environment of Caithness?
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.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse