Achany Extension: for urgent action by 17 December 2025

Achany wind farm has been operational since 2010 with 19 turbines, 110 metres high generating 38MW. In 2021 SSE Renewables submitted a proposal to add on an extension to the north of the existing wind farm, comprising 20 turbines. The site is on Glencassley Estate, which had previously proposed a wind farm called Glen Cassley. In May 2023 the Scottish Govt gave approval for this extension, though two turbines were removed from the proposal.

No start was made, and then in early 2025 SSE Renewables announced that it intended to make a new application to increase the height of the turbines to 200m to make the project economically viable. The prosed variation requires an alteration to the original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). An EIA report was issued on 7th November to accompany the variation application.

Some of you will have objected to the original plans for the less tall turbines and you can now object to this variation application. NORoS offers the following advice to supporters who wish to make an objection before the closing date of 17th December.

1. The Glencassley Windfarm application was rejected in 2015 due to its unacceptable impact on the Reay/Cassley Wild Land Area (WLA 34). This Achany extension is also sited on Wild Land and in almost the same location, though 2km closer to the exiting Achany wind farm, so one must ask what is the point of having specially designated Wild Land Areas (WLAs) if wind turbines are allowed to be placed on them?

2. The visual effect of this development on the local landscape is grounds for objection. These turbines are 200m high and are replacing those originally proposed at 149m. As an example, Rosehall village will experience a more significant visual impact due to the

proposed increase in turbine height. The visual impact from the west side of the Oykel and Kyle from Brae to the Carbisdale area will be moderate to significant (e.g. 9 turbines will be visible from Ochtow on the south side of the Kyle).

3. The effect on the local wildlife population especially birds of prey: Glen Cassley now has significant populations of Osprey, White Tailed Eagles, Golden Eagles, Merlin, Kestrels and Buzzards which currently fly into the area. All these could be affected.

4. Glen Cassley is a local tourist attraction valued for its remoteness and wild location and will be spoilt by the development. Many people visit the area to watch the salmon leaping at the falls and drive along the glen to watch the local birds and wildlife and enjoy the spectacular location. It is also popular with local cyclists who enjoy its scenery and quiet roads. Currently, most of the glen is not impacted by any development, however the Achany extension will impact significantly on it.

5. The cumulative effect this will have on the landscape and overall amenity of the area and the effect on residents, when combined with the existing windfarms and those being proposed or in various stages of planning.

If you require more details on the proposal, including some of the photomontages you can find these by logging into the application website: www.energyconsents.scot under application Ref ECU 0006178.

Objections to the application may be submitted via the Energy Consents Unit. Send your objection either by email (the easiest way) to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit mailbox at representations@gov.scot or by post to Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw , Glasgow G2 8LU. Head your input ‘Achany wind farm Extension (variation application)’ and quote Application Reference ECU 0006178. Written and email representations must be dated and state your name in block capitals and give your full email and postal address. Only email representations will receive acknowledgement.

Remember that every individual in your household can send an objection providing it is from a different email address or in a separate letter. You have until the 17th December 2025 to respond.