Doubts over turbine plans

A village fears plans by a Swedish design and engineering company to instal two giant floating wind turbines off the north Caithness coast will put off people moving to their area.

Melvich Community Council says the turbines would ruin the sea view many seek in moving to the area and could have the knock-on effect of threatening its school and care home.

Hexicon AB has sought permission from the Scottish Government, Highland Council and Orkney Islands Council for the demonstration project.

The firm has set up Dounreay Trì Limited to develop the scheme.

The scheme comes before Highland Council's North Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday which is being recommended not to raise any objection to the Scottish Government,

“It would ruin the sea view many seek in moving here”

which the final say.

However there are five representations made to the council, mainly over the scheme's visual impact in a scenic area.

And Melvich Community Council, which was consulted by Marine Scotland, also raised concerns.

The council said the existing windfarm in its area in nearby Sutherland – SSE's Strathy North – as well as the proposed Strathy South windfarm had shown “a good level of consideration" for the impact these turbines would have on the views of those who both live and visit the area – unlike the latest development.

But in her report, planning officer Emma Forbes said a number of factors meant the plan would be acceptable in the wider landscape and seascape setting of the area. will have