Objectors yesterday lined up to condemn the “ring of steel” they claimed would surround them if permission was given to erect a new onshore wind farm in east Caithness.
Lybster resident Nigel Shelton was among those who oppose E.ON’s scheme to put up 19 turbines at Golticlay, just over two miles north of the village. With the machines standing at 425ft to the tip of their blades, they would be among the tallest in the north Highlands.
The energy giant insists the venture complies with guidelines and that it can be accommodated in the landscape without undue problems
Speaking at a public local inquiry in Wick into the plans, Mr Shelton said the area is already over-developed with turbines.
He said: “In my view it is not necessary and will add to an overload of turbines and mean we’re surrounded by a ring of steel.
“When we moved here seven years ago, there were only the Causewaymire and Houstry wind farms. “Now we have 113 turbines in an area around 20 miles of Lybster and a night sky resembling Blackpool illuminations.
“On top of this we have 208 being built off the coast of Lybster and Eon wanting to put up Camster 2.”
Caroline Window, of Roster Against The Windfarm, said the Golticlay site is surrounded on three sides by people’s homes and their places of work.
“The access road will tear through the community and destroy many people’s homes and gardens.
“There will no real benefit afforded to the community and in return we will have to live with turbines.”
The inquiry is due to end with a site visit today.