Scotland’s wild places are full of energy

There are the thousands of people who live in rural communities in harmony with the land. There are the countless ramblers, climbers, cyclists, runners that enjoy respite and adventure in our precious wild places.

And, of course, there are the hundreds of wind turbines, pylons, and associated infrastructure that are producing so much energy that Scotland is now exporting electricity. 

These windfarms are contributing to the nation’s net zero objectives. But at what cost? Wild places, rural communities and those who visit for pleasure are paying the price, while massive energy companies line their pockets.

It’s time to have an honest conversation about what is happening to the country’s wildest landscapes.

The John Muir Trust believes there is a way forward that allows us to power the future and protect the wild.

Join the nationwide campaign to Protect the Wild

Inquiry to investigate proposed wind farm near Largs | Ayrshire Today

The inquiry, led by Alasdair Edwards, was triggered after North Ayrshire Council, as the planning authority, lodged an objection to the Crosbie Wind Farm project on Kaim Hill in Fairlie.

The proposed development by Galileo involves the construction and operation of 14 turbines, each with a tip height of up to 200 metres, and associated infrastructure.

The wind farm is expected to have a generation capacity exceeding 80 megawatts, alongside a battery energy storage facility with a capacity exceeding 50 megawatts.

The project site is located approximately 3.5 km southeast of Largs.

In addition to North Ayrshire Council, various community councils and interest groups have opposed the proposal, citing a range of concerns.

Fairlie Community Council has raised issues related to impacts on residents and wildlife, potential noise pollution, and the destruction of scenic and leisure areas. They have also flagged concerns about the impact on local amenities, peatland, watercourses, light pollution, shadow flicker issues, and air traffic safety.

West Kilbride Community Council has also objected, expressing concerns about the impact on the country park, visual disruption to the skyline, noise, access, ground conditions, public access, and peat.

Friends of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park have also raised objections, including concerns about overdevelopment, industrialisation, turbine scale, recreational loss, visual impact, tourism impact, traffic disruption, and ecological damage.