Wind farm approved

After a consultative meeting with members of the public a wind farm is likely to be given the go-ahead. The wind energy project will consist of thirteen wind turbines. The firm behind the wind energy project is known as AMEC and the wind farm is likely to be developed at Aultmore Forest close to Buckie.

AMEC was engaged in consultations with approximately fifteen community councils and recreation groups based locally. Most sent in their responses in first quarter of the year.

The curtailed use of the Aultmore Forest currently and the need to have an improvement in the access to the forest were some of the suggestions given. Other suggestions included improving the forest tracks and setting aside a place for parking cars. Also suggested was the proper marking of key routes in the forest.

The development director of the wind farm developer in Aultmore, Robert East, expressed his delight at the suggestions that had been made especially by the members of the recreation group. He added that any improvements that would be made would only be made if the relevant land owners agree which in this case would be the Forestry Commission Scotland. Some of the money that would be required to improve the recreational facilities would be taken out from the wind farm community fund.

Moray’s forest district manager, Phil Whitfield, was delighted by the fact that the local groups were involving themselves in affairs that affected their community. He added that some of the suggestions that had been made were good.

Earlier the wind farm developer had wanted to erect over thirty wind turbines but this was revised downwards after protests.

www.amec.com