FARR WIND FARM EXTENSION | ECU00006418 (Scoping)_COMMUNITY UPDATE

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SNCC COMMUNITY UPDATE | 01.07.2026

FARR WIND FARM EXTENSION | ECU00006418 (Scoping) | NADARA (AS DEVELOPERS) | TETRA TECH (AS AGENTS)

For downloadable report see: Farr Wind Farm Ext _ Nadara SNCC 01.07.2026 (3)

Introduction

SNCC accepted Nadara’s offer to introduce their proposed extension to Farr Wind Farm to the Community Council, and wider community. This introduction was given ahead of SNCC’s Monthly Community Meeting on 15 June 2026 @ 7pm, as part of wider Community Liaison.  Nadara’s Julie Aitken Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager & Erin Murchie Senior Community Relations Manager attended. 

The introductory session was followed up with a public 2-day ‘Community Engagement’ Exhibition/Session held at Farr Community Hall on 16 June & The Hub, Strathdearn on 17 June 2026, with the full project team from Nadara & Tetra Tech present. 

Over the consultation period, SNCC has entered discussions with Nadara, on behalf of the local community, to fully engage on and understand the proposal, make observations, assess local impact (and raise any immediate concerns).

This sits side by side with questions that have been raised or discussions had by residents.

PROJECT INFORMATION & BACKGROUND CONTEXT

  • To date an ‘extension to life’ has been granted (as of 23.03.21), increasing the operating time of the original wind farm (40 turbines @ height 110m to tip of blade) from 25 to 35 years. 
  • Separately – forming the basis of this consultation – an extension to the physical size of the wind farm site, with increased height and numbers of turbines (10 additional turbines @ height 200m to tip of blade) is now being sought.

To see both applications (consented or scoping) or 

A | OPERATIONAL & EXTENSION OF LIFE FOR 40 TURBINES (CONSENTED)

For (earlier) Wind Farm Life Extension Application (Consented 23.03.21) | ECU00002123 see: Scottish Government – Energy Consents Unit – Application Details 

92MW/h Capacity

 

B | NEW & EXTENSION TO ACCOMMODATE A FURTHER 10 TURBINES (SCOPING)

Additional 67MW/h capacity

 

C | PROJECT CONTACTS: 

01 | Project Development, Design Iteration, Emerging Details & Guide Timetables

 

EXISTING/OPERATIONAL WITH LIFE EXTENSION

FARR WIND FARM (40 turbines @ 110m to tip of blade)

  • Now fully in operation, with 25 year operational life granted at the time of commissioning.
  • Originally planned as operational to 2030 when fully commissioned.

Farr Wind Farm Application for Operational Life Extension (Screening) | ECU00002076 

  • 20 May 2020 > Scoping submitted to extend Farr Wind Farm life.
  • 03 Jul 2020 > Scoping concluded.

Farr Wind Farm Planning Application for Operational Life Extension (Consented) | ECU00002123

  • 20 May 2020 > Planning application submitted to extend Farr Wind Farm life.
  • 23 March 2021 > Planning application granted (Consented) to extend WF life.

Guide timetable as WF stands/existing (for purpose of community understanding)

  • 2030 > Original end date (now obsolete) of Operational Life of Farr Wind Farm, as existing (for 40 turbines @ 110m to tip of blade).
  • 2040 > New & extended end date of Operational Life of Farr Wind Farm, as existing (for 40 turbines @ 110m to tip of blade).
  • (2039-) 2040 > A decommissioning report will be produced. Approximately 12 months would be allocated to this process; all in agreement with Highland Council & Stakeholders (for 40 turbines @ 110m to tip of blade).
  • 2040-42 > Decommissioning of existing Farr Wind Farm will commence (for 40 turbines @ 110m to tip of blade).

92 MW Generation.

 

(LIVE) PLANNING APPLICATION/PROPOSED EXTENSION (STAGE 1/CURRENT PLANS)

 

FARR WIND FARM EXTENSION (10 new turbines @ 200m to tip of blade)

  • Currently scoping
  • Planned operational time of 35 years, at time of commissioning.
  • Nadara’s indicative timetable (if consented) would be 10 new turbines operational from 2032 to 2067.

 

Guide timetable for WF extension (if supported in Scoping Process):

  • 26 May 2026 > Scoping submitted to ECU to for Farr Wind Farm Extension | ECU00006418
  • Late 2026 > Scoping concluded.
  • Spring 2028 > Submission of Full Planning Application.
  • End of 2028 > (Target) Approval through ECU.
  • 2029 > (Target/Revised) Approval if planning enquiry is outcome from above.
  • 2030 > 18 month construction phase.
  • 2032 > Fully operational from 2032; for planned 35 year duration.
  • 2067 > End of operational life.
  • 2067-70 > Decommissioning.

67 MW Generation. 

 

(PROPOSED) PLANNING APPLICATION/REPOWERING PHASE (STAGE 2/DRAFT FUTURE PLANS ONLY) 

(NOTE: STAGE 2 IS PART OF NADARA’S FUTURE BUSINESS PLANNING & DRAFT/ INDICATIVE PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN LOOSELY DISCUSSED WITH SNCC). 

Indicative plans only (in loose discussion with Nadara & Tetra Tech):

FARR WIND FARM REPOWERING PHASE (As a guide only; up to 25-30 new turbines @ 200m to tip of blade – indicative only – size & scale not yet fully determined)

  • 2035 > Planning process starts for Repowering Phase (Stage 2). 
  • (If consented) Existing turbines would be deemed obsolete & decommissioned from 2040. (Proposed) To be replaced by next generation turbines, installed on new & larger bases, but utilising existing tracks & layout (where possible).
  • 2040 > Repowering works commence on reaching the end of life of Existing Wind Farm.
  • 2075 > Planned 35 years operational life from date of commissioning.

Based on figures quoted by Nadara for 10 turbine windfarm extension, which would put in place 67MW generation; up to a further 25-30 (but as yet to be determined) repowered turbines would provide for an increase of generation on the site from 92MW to 167-201 MW. 

 

02 | Community Liaison & Immediate Community Concerns (from information presented by the Applicant to date) & Other Accepted Sources

 

Coalescence & Landscape Visual Impact:

 

SNCC have expressed their concern over the expansion and coalescence of Wind Farms in and around the existing Farr Wind Farm impacting the Strathnairn/Strathdearn Communities and wider landscape.

This could not contrast more with what the community has come to accept as the currently operational Farr Wind Farm (with Nadara as Developer/Owner) consisting of 40 turbines @ 110m to tip of blade, with 92 MW Generation (and now granted a life extension of 10 years through to 2040). 

Though deemed significant as it first came through the planning application process  – it is evident now that this and other first generation wind farms to this area – were in fact carefully sited in terms of planning.  

Farr Wind Farm (as existing/operational) clearly nestles into the landscape, carefully screened in the landscape by landforms, sited down from the saddles or summits of hills, providing only the shortest of vistas and is distinctly away from any areas of settlement. 

Therefore it can, and equally would be supported across Planning.

Now, the contrast with what the community is being asked to support, could not be greater.

Individually – and collectively – development proposed across Farr’s Extension (consenting) and 2 other live applications (seeking consent) proposes that off-shore wind turbine specification comes onshore, to South Loch Ness Communities, across this conjoined site (of Farr, Lynemore and Kyllachy).

Therefore this site/series of applications strategically must now be considered by the community and other stakeholders as one, in terms of sites, scale and impact. 

Site coalescence is the result, and the Landscape Visual Impact is significant; both of which raise concerns.

 

Without repowering strategy over the conjoined or coalesced sites (centred around the existing Farr Wind Farm and which NOW must be considered as one):

Farr Wind Farm (existing 40 turbines @ 110m to tip of blade) | ECU00002123 / 92 MW Generation.

+ Farr Wind Farm Extension (proposed 10 turbines @ 200m to tip of blade) | ECU00006418 / 67 MW Generation.

+ Lynemore Wind Farm (proposed/revised 12 turbines @ 200m to tip of blade) | ECU00005105 / 84 MWh Generation + 50MW BESS

+ Kyllachy Wind Farm (proposed 13 turbines @ 180m to tip of blade) | ECU00005153 / 100 MW Generation.

  • As a single development (Farr Wind Farm Extension) brings a significant (negative) impact on the local community, on local sites, on local landscapes, and to the local (rural) area. 
  • Potential total of turbines across the combined/neighbouring and coalesced/cojoined sites – visually and physically read as one – equates to upto 75 turbines; of which 35 turbines are next generation turbines (+150m) at a range of 180-200m on elevated sites, and 40 are existing at 110m to tip of blade.
  • Combined > 343 MW Generation + 50 MW BESS
  • As a coalesced development or site (if all 3 proposed projects are consented) it brings a  significant (negative) impact – at many levels – on the local community, on local environment, on local landscapes, and to the local (rural) area and wider surrounds (including the City of Inverness, and it approaches, Cairngorms etc).

 

Accounting for repowering strategy (under development but not yet published) over the coalesced sites (centred around the existing Farr Wind Farm and which NOW must be considered as one):

Farr Wind Farm Extension (proposed 10 turbines @ 200m to tip of blade) | ECU00006418 / 67 MW Generation.

+ Farr Wind Farm (existing 40 turbines @ 110m to tip of blade) | ECU00002123 > to be repowered as (proposed) 25-30 turbines @ height 200m (or thereby discussed as part of Nadara’s business planning only at this stage) / Allow for increase to 167-201 MW Generation + Any proposed BESS.

+ Lynemore Wind Farm (proposed 12 turbines @ 180m to tip of blade) | ECU00005105 /  84 MW Generation + 50MW BESS

+ Kyllachy Wind Farm (proposed 13 turbines @ 180m to tip of blade) | ECU00005153 / 100 MW Generation

  • Strategically considering the site as one, assuming the proposed Farr Wind Farm Extension gives rise to the Repowering Plans of the existing Farr Wind Farm, the resultant turbines across the conjoined sites – visually and physically read as one – equate to a significant increase to the footprint and with 60-65 +150m turbines across it.
  • Of which up to 60-65 turbines would be next generation turbines (+150m) at a range of 180-200m now on elevated sites within the community.
  • Combined this equates to or can be readily compared to the currently scoping application of Vattenfall’s Glenmarkie (65 turbines @ 250m) but proposed within the Strathnairn & Strathdearn Area.
  • As a coalesced site, the landscape visual impact is significant; both locally, from wider communities, and at distance across the area.

SNCC are now asking that this is considered as one, and masterplanned accordingly; without which ‘creep’ in planning terms is occurring.

 

Proposed extension & resultant Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA):

 

Farr Wind Farm (Operational) Across 40 turbines ranges from: 

(Lowest existing turbine) 475m + 110m Turbine = 585m (to tip of blade)

to

(Highest existing turbine) 580m + 110m Turbine = 690m (to tip of blade)

 

As a standalone proposal, extending the existing >

Farr WF Extension (Scoping)

  • WT G01 > 540m Base + 200m Turbine = 740m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G02 > 500m Base + 200m Turbine = 700m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G03 > 475m Base + 200m Turbine = 675m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G04 > 475m Base + 200m Turbine = 675m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G05 > 470m Base + 200m Turbine = 670m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G06 > 490m Base + 200m Turbine = 690m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G07 > 490m Base + 200m Turbine = 690m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G08 > 480m Base + 200m Turbine = 680m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G09 > 520m Base + 200m Turbine = 720m (to tip of blade)
  • WT G10 > 535m Base + 200m Turbine = 735m (to tip of blade)

With turbines no longer contained by landforms/positioned at higher elevations, this equates to a physical height change (charted across the foundation and/or through the change in height of the structure).  This ranges from +50m to +155m gain over the operational turbines across the existing site (operational) to the extended site (scoping).

  • To give universal scale > Corbetts (as defined by SMC) range from 762m to 914.4m / 2,500 to 3,000ft
  • Next generation turbines within this scoping application are now nearing or exceeding the starting height of Corbetts; and this is of greater concern still when considering the wider conjoined site.

Accounting for coalescence/ conjoined sites >

Lynemore WF (Planning)

  • T7 >  560+m Base + 200m Turbine = 760m+ (confirmed as just under 770m to tip of blade)
  • T8 >  560+m Base + 200m Turbine = 760m+ (confirmed as just under 770m to tip of blade)

Kylllachy Wind Farm (Planning)

It is impossible to determine the proposed heights to tip of blade reached by turbines at Kyllachy WF, as the site plan which locates the turbines, is not overlaid with the OS location plan. Therefore we can not determine the contours on which the turbines are sited on. However we know the turbines to be of 180m in height, and on elevated landforms and on a conjoined site.

Awaiting update for the same from Green Cat Renewables as agents/developers (following SNCC request).

Accounting for operational wind farm repowering >

(Allowing for future) Repowering of (Operational) Farr Wind Farm (on existing tracks where possible)

Assumption:

(Lowest existing turbine) 475m + (replaced by) 200m Turbine = 675m (to tip of blade)

to

(Highest existing turbine) 580m + (replaced by) 200m Turbine = 780m (to tip of blade)

This would equate to a height change of +90m or thereby across the site, if positioned off existing tracks and contained within the existing wind farms footprint (as has been discussed with the Developer).

Community observations/concerns:

On Coalescence:

  • These planning applications are being made individually, by developers, and this combined site (surrounding the existing Farr Wind Farm) needs to be considered at a much more strategic level now – as one – with development plans shared and combined; specifically where these greatly impact host communities – at every level – as they do.
  • As a coalesced site, with next generation structures springing from elevated positions, even before the repowering strategy takes more shape, this is a significant Landscape Visual Impact to the area and surrounds (for both local and wider communities and a range of stakeholders). 
  • Combined this equates to the currently scoping application of Vattenfall’s Glenmarkie (65 turbines @ 250m) but proposed within the Strathnairn & Strathdearn Area.
  • As a coalesced site, the landscape visual impact is significant; both locally, from wider communities, and at distance.
  • As a single large development it would arguably be easier to challenge, and would be firmly fought by the community or mitigation considered.
  • SNCC are now asking that this is considered as one, and masterplanned accordingly.

 

On Landscape Visual Impact:

  • Considered on its own, Farr extension will be highly visible from residential areas of Strathnairn (Croachy, Inverarnie etc), Inverness City Centre and surrounds, the Black Isle, A9, Cairngorms and more; negatively impacting residents, communities and the tourist industry among other stakeholders.
  • Nothing in this proposal, for example the inclusion of sub 150m turbines, is being considered by the developer.
  • SNCC have requested that this is.

Over Development to the area & cumulative impacts:

Utilising National Records, statistics and available data >

As a standalone proposal, extending the existing >

  • (The Applicant) Nadara’s website Farr Wind Farm | Nadara states > 10 additional turbines @ 200m height equates to an additional 67MW generation. 
  • (The Applicant) Nadara’s website states Farr Wind Farm | Nadara  > 67MW is capable of powering 55,283 homes/households. 
  • Utilising the Applicant’s maths > 1MW generation powers 825 UK homes / households.
  • If consented the extended Farr Wind Farm site, before repowering, would be capable of 92MW (operational) + 67MW (extension) generation > powering 131,194 UK homes/households.
  • For reference National Records of Scotland (2024) estimate there to be 113,906 households across the whole of the Highlands. Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2024 – National Records of Scotland (NRS) 

Accounting for coalescence/conjoined sites >

Accounting for operational wind farm repowering >

  • Rising to 418MW Generation > if the operational Farr WF is repowered with up to 25 next generation turbines > powering 344,900 UK homes/households across the conjoined and repowered site.
  • Rising to 452MW generation > if the operational Farr WF is repowered with up to 30 next generation turbines > powering 372,953.97 UK homes/households across the conjoined and repowered site.
  • For reference National Records of Scotland (2024) estimate there to be 2,552,388 households across Scotland. This conjoined site alone would be capable of powering 15% of households in Scotland.Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2024 – National Records of Scotland (NRS) 

Rural community of Strathnairn >

  • Strathnairn – a thriving rural community – is understood to have approximately 600 homes/households.  

 

Community observations/concerns:

  • This is a case of distinct over development within a single community (if approved as a single conjoined or coalesced site).
  • To reinforce this, this does not account for further operational or consented developments at Dunmaglass, Aberarder, etc, which also fall to the community and exacerbates this situation further.
  • Cumulative impacts (LVIA, theoretical visibility, traffic, proximity to residents and community, loss of Dark Skies, loss of biodiversity, lack of overall construction management cross-developers, etc) – already significant – are heightened by other major energy infrastructure developments seeking approval and directly impacting this (host) community. 
  • This extends to BESS, new transmission lines, pumped storage hydro etc.

 

Resultant & local loss of Environment & Habitat (including Dark Skies, Peatland, Wildlife & Biodiversity):

On loss of Peatlands, natural habitats & biodiversity: 

  • Farr Wind Farm (operational) sits on a landscape of ‘peatland’ or ‘blanket bog’.
  • The existing wind farm has resulted in tracks and foundations being introduced into this remote landscape reducing the area and volume of existing peatlands further.  
  • Whilst the peatlands to this landscape are in part eroded, to date this could be locally minimised and reversed, promoting nature restoration, increasing biodiversity, and carbon capture.Environmental charity | Carbon Centre | Dumfries 
  • However, extending the Wind Farm, means the introduction of further tracks and in-roads, plus more and larger foundations; all of which contributes to an accelerated loss of peatland without any net gain to peatlands, biodiversity or associated ecosystems on the land/site on which it is sited.

Community observations/concerns:

  • The community looks to support development which directly promotes nature restoration, regeneration and increases biodiversity across the community.
  • This is reflected in the Community’s Local Place Plan.
  • The community does not look for ‘nature restoration’ to be as an offsetting exercise – happening away from sites – but instead supports projects which firstly do not contribute to loss of peatlands, and secondly will support restoration at source, to redress the balance in favour of nature.

On loss of Dark Skies & Nocturnal Wildlife

  • Any structure exceeding +150m in height, requires Civil Aviation Authority Lighting to be introduced.  
  • Artificial (or industrial) lighting needs to be considered when a development may increase levels of lighting, or would be sensitive to prevailing levels of artificial lighting.
  • Artificial Light At Night (ALAN) has the potential to become what is termed ‘light pollution’ or ‘obtrusive light’.
  • It is a source of annoyance to people, harmful to wildlife and undermines enjoyment of the countryside or the night sky, especially in areas with intrinsically dark landscapes. 
  • Intrinsically dark landscapes are those entirely, or largely, uninterrupted by artificial light. 

Community observations/concerns:

  • Strathnairn as a rural community, elevated from Inverness, and largely protected by the landforms or ridge between the two, is an example of this.
  • Strathnairn, as a community, has conducted ‘Sky brightness surveys’ and charted the existing ‘sky brightness’ across the area.  
  • Strathnairn is Bortle 3 to 4, Rural Classification; and currently experiences Dark Skies.
  • The survey confirms that any light pollution or’ sky glare’ is currently only associated with a level of spillage from Inverness (as an urban setting), and in a single direction.
  • This means there is a reduced negative impact, and the community looks to contain this at all costs.
  • Next generation turbines to the South East – as an extension to Farr WF, (proposed) Lynemore WF, Kyllachy etc – will change this indefinitely.
  • As proposed, these contribute to a light polluting source being introduced at height, and at 180 degrees from Inverness; thus introducing industrial lighting and light pollution, where darkness – in a rural setting – is currently experienced.
  • Loss of darkness is known to negatively impact human health, nocturnal wildlife and the natural environment/biodiversity.
  • The introduction of industrial CAA lighting/light polluting sources at elevation, (unless mitigation is in place) will bring unwanted Artificial Lighting At Night (ALAN) within the rural community of Strathnairn and contravenes the Local Place Plan – which promotes Dark Skies – and therefore can not be supported.

 

Proposed traffic route & construction traffic

Utilising the existing (or amended) wind farm track to extend Farr Wind Farm

  • The applicant states this development will not negatively increase traffic or negatively impact the community – with increased construction traffic – on local roads with regards to construction or operation of an extended wind farm.
  • Access is proposed as being through the existing wind farm track network  accessed off the A9 – directly to the Farr Wind Farm site – generating no additional traffic on the B851 or other local roads which the community accesses.
  • However this access to the site entrance from the upgraded A9, is understood to be where there is a central reservation in place.  
  • This means that in exiting the site, to travel South bound, traffic will first need to travel North, to the nearest turning point.  
  • This will typically be the B851, in and around quarry access.

Community observations/concerns:

  • Whilst the Community recognises that the central reservation barriers can be temporarily removed for the delivery of AILs, it is concerned about day to day site traffic, who will not access the same.
  • This will put additional pressure on local Highland roads; never designed to cope with the levels of construction traffic they are now being subjected to, as major energy infrastructure developments gain consents.
  • Whilst the developer states that material for extended tracks and foundations would be won on site, should this be brought in from local quarries, this will again increase the volumes of construction traffic on local roads (namely the B851).
  • There is a known cumulative impact (access, timing, speed, increased volume of traffic, increase in number of HGVs, with no strategic masterplan for traffic management, on predominantly single track roads etc ) with regards to this, across several projects, of significant concern to the community.
  • SNCC have expressed their concern over B851 being used as a traffic route to any surrounding site; given for large sections it is a single track road, with infrequent passing places, and the existing volume of traffic (generally), numbers of HGVs on it, plus driver behaviour is testing the community to the limit.

 

03 | Community Benefit Funds

Nadara anticipates Community Benefit Funds – guided by the Scottish Government but as yet not fully determined – will be split (ratio not yet determined) cross-community (between Strathnairn & Strathdearn as the two host and impacted communities), for the 10 additional turbines (and compatible with current rates).

Separately, a rate for the extended operation/extension to life of the existing 40 turbine Farr has already been determined/agreed across both communities, through the respective Community Benefit Funds. For further details see SCBF. 

SNCC & SCBF plan to explore community ownership/community share options –  they currently are with all major energy infrastructure developments – should the project proceed. 

 

02.07.2026 for SNCC