THE developer behind a controversial wind farm on the Ross-shire/Sutherland border has announced it is scaling down its plans.
Glenmorie Wind Farm LLP has confirmed it will be amending the design to remove the nine turbines from the eastern ridge of the site of the wind farm it hopes to build on the Glencalvie and Kildermorie estates in Sutherland and Easter Ross.
The rethink will reduce the size of the wind farm from 43 to 34 turbines.
The company submitted its application to the Scottish Government in November 2011.
It says the decision to amend the design has been made in response to the representations received so far, from a range of organisations and individuals including Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and local community councils.
Natasha Rai, project manager for Glenmorie Wind Farm, said: "We have listened carefully to the consultation responses we have received and have decided to remove nine of the proposed turbines. This change will significantly reduce the visual impact of the wind farm, particularly from Bonar Bridge and the Dornoch Firth National Scenic Area."
"We intend to submit our revised design to the Scottish Government at the end of March. If any residents have any queries at all about the new design please contact us or visit our website at www.glenmorie.com."
Local residents in Ardross launched a campaign against the wind farm, Save Our Straths, following a public meeting. They have set up their own website to oppose the plans and inform people about the impact of the development.
Campaigners say the community of Ardross will be entirely surrounded by wind farms on all points of the compass if the project goeas ahead, and believe it will ruin views from Ben Wyvis and Cnoc Fyrish.
The John Muir Trust and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland have both objected to the application.
