RSPB fury as wind farm in wildflife haven is given go-ahead

SCOTLAND’S biggest nature conservation charity last night said it was ‘desperately disappointed’ after ministers approved a wind farm in an globally important wildlife haven.

RSPB Scotland had objected to the wind farm at Strathy South, at the heart of Scotland’s Flow Country in Sutherland, saying the giant turbines posed a threat to rare birds and landscape.

But following a public inquiry in 2015, ministers have now given the go-ahead to power firm SSE’s 39-turbine site.

The peatlands are among the world’s rarest habitats.

An RSPB Scotland spokesman said: ‘Approval of the Strathy South wind farm is desperately disappointing. Wind farms are a vital part of the fight against climate change, but it is simple common sense that they must be sited away from our most important wildlife sites.

‘Strathy South is in the very heart of the Caithness and Sutherland Peatlands Special Protection Area and Ramsar site.’

SSE director of development Mike Seaton said the project would bring environmental benefits through restoration of areas of degraded peatland.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The decision to grant approval to the Strathy South wind farm took into account the recommendations following a public local inquiry.

‘All issues raised by the public and other interested parties were considered.’

‘Sited away from wildlife sites’