A massive offshore project....

This is a plea to consider submitting an objection to the massive MachairWind Project off the coast near Iona. It is easy to submit your objections as there is an Object Now tool available.  Just click on the link!  This project is larger than the Spiorad na Mara (Outer Hebrides) and Ayre (east of Orkney) proposals combined.

Many of us get most concerned (awakened even?) about developments close to our homes. That doesn’t mean we don’t care about what is going on elsewhere, simply that it needs a bit more effort for us to get engaged with the issues. There’s probably no better example of this than when it comes to offshore developments. A reaction of "well at least they’re not on land near me" may be understandable, but contributes to a lack of engagement with the very serious issues elsewhere.

Fortunately, there are those that do engage with such issues. A very comprehensive objection to the MachairWind Project has been submitted by Dr. Lonneke Goddijn-Murphy, someone with the necessary expertise and experience to address the many complex issues.  

Read more about the project and view Lonneke’s objection

Application material submitted by the developer can be found here.  We recommend -

Use the Object Now tool

Should you wish to compose your own objection document rather than use the Object Now tool, here are the details.

Email to: Scottish Ministers (Marine Scotland – Marine Directorate) MD.MarineRenewables@gov.scot

Subject: Objection to the Planning Application for MachairWind Offshore Wind Farm

Your name (IN CAPITALS)

Your Address:

(Not later than 15 August 2026)  (Or by post: Scottish Government, Marine Scotland Licensing Operations Team, Marine Laboratory, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB)

What is happening with the energy strategy petition? 

(Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to publish its Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan to address the environment, infrastructure, and land use.)  Tina Marshall, the petition originator, has been engaged with various politicians and advises people to contact their MSP, constituency or regional, in order to pursue the matter.

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.