GLENMARKIE WIND FARM UPDATE | ECU00006252 (Scoping) | VATTENFALL

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SNCC COMMUNITY UPDATE | 30.06.2026

GLENMARKIE WIND FARM | COMMUNITY UPDATE | ECU00006252 (Scoping) | VATTENFALL (AS DEVELOPERS)

Introduction

SNCC & SCBF met with Vattenfall on 15 June 2026, as part of ongoing Community Liaison.  Vattenfall’s Ruth Liddicoat Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager, Lucy Blake Project Manager & Paul Young Construction Manager, were in attendance from Vattenfall. SNCC’s Chair Phil Mackintosh, and SNCC Project Advisor Julie Macrae, SCBF’s Chair Mark Bessell represented Strathnairn. 

With consent of those participating Vattenfall have recorded the meeting, and this is being transcribed.  This was to be forwarded to the community, at the earliest, but as yet is not issued. It is now expected early August 2026.  SNCC have prepared a report for Strathnairn in the interim to keep the Community informed.

For downloadable Community Report see: Glenmarkie Wind Farm 15.06.2026_30.06.2026 (2)

For indicative site layout see: figure-2.1-indicative-site-layout (1)

For full ECU Application see: Scottish Government – Energy Consents Unit – Application Details

 

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

  • Nov 25 > Vattenfall presented their first version of the development to the community in November 2025.  The design will continue to evolve, but in the interim, as it stands the exhibition is available to view here: Vattenfall – Glenmarkie Wind Farm 
  • Jun 26 > Vattenfall confirms that the design for Glenmarkie is being led by the Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) as the largest determining factor; and is acutely aware of the (landscape) sensitivity of this particular proposal. This is owing to the siting (mountainous interior), proposed height (at 250m tall), number (65 turbines) and proximity to sensitive environments and landscape areas (Cairngorm National Park & Munros, Monadhliaths & Wildland Space, Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle, Great Glen Way & Meall Fuar Monaidh etc). All of which admittedly will effect/impact the Environment & SSAs plus the Tourism Industry; though intended to be counterbalanced with benefits (of energy production) and some planned regenerative works may offset or lessen this.   
  • As developers, in working through mandatory scoping surveys to accompany any full planning application (for peatlands, ornithology, water, wildlife, water and more) Vattenfall confirms this continues to inform decision making and the design will evolve.  As of June 2026, Vattenfall first anticipates an overall reduction in the number of turbines (from 65 turbines) and potentially a range of structures to reduce negative LVIA (from the proposed blanket specification of 250m high turbines applied across the site). This could effectively see a developer propose to specify a range of turbine heights across a single site; with measures such as higher structures springing from lower bases, and lower structures springing from higher bases, to overall reduce the negative landscape visual impact, both as perceived and actual height. 
  • Sep 26 > However this pans out, Vattenfall confirms that there will be a revised design which will be shared openly with the communities and other stakeholders from Autumn 2026 (presently targeted for September 2026).  
  • At this point Vattenfall will have more information to share or disseminate locally.
  • Late 2027 > (Target) Submission of Planning Consent (if proceeding)
  • 2029 > (Target) Approval for Planning
  • 2030/31 > (Target) Start on site, providing permissions are granted and connections are agreed/in place.

 

02 | Community Liaison & Immediate Concerns (from information presented to date/at earlier exhibition from Nov 25)

Proposed traffic route & construction traffic:

  • SNCC have expressed their concern over B851 being used as the main traffic route to 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.
  • SNCC have offered up Traffic Impact Assessment Reports/Evidence to Vattenfall; reports/ evidence prepared by Strathnairn Community Council to challenge the route selection (of the B851) and submitted to the Planning Enquiry for Loch Kemp/Loch Ness PSH (with Statera as Developer) / ECU00003398.
  • Impact of traffic on B851 and emerging issues are the same – if either project (WF or PSH) should gain consent – so this resource is being openly shared.
  • However cumulative (traffic) impacts will be intensified if the projects (Glenmarkie WF & Loch Kemp PSH) are both consented & the construction program is delivered together; or prolonged if they are consented but delivered separately.
  • Vattenfall stated that it has explored landing zones along the banks of Loch Ness – for transportation of goods on water – but currently can’t see a logical route to site, without increasing environmental destruction in creation of further tracks (off site).  
  • If the B851 is determined to be the final route selection – SNCC have requested that any improvements are carried out in advance of the project gaining consent (should this be the case) and not after the planned delivery period. 
  • This is intended to ease the community’s pain, with the community requesting that it is consulted on this aspect and any agreements with HC.

Landscape Visual Impact: 

  • SNCC have expressed their concern over the setting, scale and height for Glenmarkie WF (as the largest windfarm currently proposed in the area).
  • SNCC are concerned about the siting of this windfarm, the general sensitivity of the site, the natural environment it sits in and its negative impact on the landscape of the wider area. 
  • This is both in terms of massing/scale (65 turbines), turbine height (250m to tip of blade), and siting with turbines at bases of height 660-865m (as a guide). The levels of the bases/foundations are therefore effectively now reaching the heights of the lowest Munros. This sets a new precedent for South Loch Ness into Moray. 
  • Vattenfall confirmed that this development for Glenmarkie WF is being led by LVIA, (and the negative  impact of landscape in and around Loch Ness).
  • Vattenfall will revisit the community and other stakeholders with a revised scheme/further exhibition in September 2026 or thereby. This will be when individual scoping studies that inform the overall design or associated revisions are concluded. The developers indicated that studies which have been returned to date, have already informed design change since the first Community Exhibition/Consultation held in November 2025.

 

Earlier information collated by SNCC (for comparison/as a guide to the community on scale): 

Munros > +914.4m / +3,000ft

Wind Farms Now exceeding the height of Munros

Glenmarkie Wind Farm (Scoping) Report – Figure 2.1 Indicative Site Layout.pdf

Glenmarkie WF with sample turbines across saddle/summits, just a brief check on some of the highest, and not extended to all. (At a very quick glance the lowest, and out on a limb, appears to be T11 @ 660m base).

These are relative to the clustering/layout:

  • T47 > 770m base + 250m turbine = 1020m (to tip of blade)
  • T48 > 780m base + 250m turbine = 1030m (to tip of blade)
  • T1 > 800m base + 250m turbine = 1050m (to tip of blade)
  • T2 > 800m base + 250m turbine = 1050m (to tip of blade)
  • T16 > 830m base + 250m turbine = 1080m (to tip of blade)
  • T21 > 855m base + 250m turbine = 1105m (to tip of blade)
  • T20 > 865m base + 250m turbine = 1115m (to tip of blade)

Lowest Munro in Cairngorms/Glenshee area > The Cairnwell 933m / 3,061ft

Highest Munro in Cairngorms > Ben Macdui 1,309m / 4,295ft

 

Loss of Dark Skies, Environment, Woodlands & Biodiversity:

  • SNCC have expressed their concern over the loss of Dark Skies, with the introduction of CAA lighting on turbines. This will negatively impact humans, wildlife with nocturnal patterns, biodiversity and wider ecosystems.
  • Even with a so-called ‘reduce lighting scheme’ (as determined through other developments, whereby half of the turbines are lit), with 65 turbines proposed, this will introduce an extensive and unwanted source of industrial lighting and associated light pollution – at high level – where previously Dark Skies are experienced across a rural and remote rural setting. 
  • Strathnairn & Stratherrick & Foyers are currently and jointly seeking accreditation as South Loch Ness Dark Sky Communities through DSI UK; and HC are drafting a regional policy for consultation on the same.
  • Vattenfall was confirmed as exploring options to make a further reduction to the (negative) impact of CAA lighting, through the inclusion of radar or equivalent systems. If adopted, these are synchronised with incoming aircraft and actively reduce the number of hours of illumination overnight/in the hours of darkness.
  • SNCC asked Vattenfall to start working cross Developers & with the CAA to progress this; working co-operatively to resolve and bring in acceptable alternatives should the development progress.
  • Vattenfall has agreed to this.

Cumulative Impacts:

  • SNCC have expressed their concern over the cumulative effect of multiple developments coming through the area associated with incoming large scale energy infrastructure; as impacted or host community.
  • For Strathnairn this is potentially several new wind farms, falling directly  to the community /locale along with the extension to existing operational farms, traffic associated with the construction of new pumped storage hydro developments to South Loch Ness, and the installation of new overhead electricity networks (through SSE) from Beauly to Peterhead and passing directly through Strathnairn.
  • Works to improve the A9 also have a bearing on the community of Strathnairn; particularly in association with access to the quarries.
  • Cumulative impacts have a direct bearing (negative and positive) on landscape & environment, traffic levels, roads & services, quality of life, wildlife & biodiversity. 
  • Consent for Glenmarkie would further (deemed) negatively exacerbate this. 
  • Vattenfall discussed what they see as a likely path or programme to development – and confirmed they are currently working at risk – on Glenmarkie WF.

Co-ordinated Community Liaison 

  • SNCC have expressed their concern over the demand placed on the community, volunteers and volunteer time to address numerous applications coming through the consenting process.
  • As per the suggestion  of Stratherrick & Foyers Community Council, SNCC is requesting that all developers are part of a co-ordinated and transparent community liaison effort, with key information brought to the table and openly discussed. 
  • Vattenfall has indicated that it is open to this.

Note: It was agreed that other community concerns – like protection of woodlands, nature & biodiversity – will be followed through in more detail at the next meeting.

 

03 | Community Benefit Funds

Vattenfall anticipates Community Benefit Funds – guided by the Scottish Government but as yet not fully determined – will be split in several ways.  This earlier report to Inverness Chamber of Commerce (as member news in Nov 2025), gives an indication of the overall available sums. This should be conditioned by the knowledge that the way benefits are being allocated is changing.

Public Exhibitions Announced for Glenmarkie Wind Farm  – Inverness Chamber of Commerce 

Vattenfall have indicated that should the project gain consent, local funds will be likely be allocated proportionally – from an identified pot – and determined by the following: 

Impacted communities > Communities who are directly impacted and have the short-term pain of development works [over the construction period].

  • Traffic routes:  As yet to be fully determined but anticipated to be Strathnairn and Stratherrick & Foyers and/or Dores & Essich; possibly with a range of all.
  • Connection routes: As yet to be fully determined but anticipated to be Stratherrick & Foyers, Laggan, Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston and/or Strathdearn; possibly with a range of all.

Host communities > Communities who the project falls to and live with the completed project [for the duration of construction, operation and decommissioning].  

  • Site & site access: Stratherrick & Foyers, Strathdearn and Laggan.
  • Connections & related access: Stratherrick & Foyers, Strathdearn, Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston and/or Laggan; possibly with a range of all.

Affected Communities > Communities who may be adversely affected by the presence of the development (short or long term).

  • On account of landscape visual impact, other negative impacts and/or cumulative impacts etc: Stratherrick & Foyers, Strathdearn, Laggan, Strathnairn, Fort Augustus & Glenmoriston, Glenurquhart.

In no uncertain terms the Community who will be most severely impacted & affected across these markers and also host to the greatest number of turbines (if consented) – for this development – will be Stratherrick & Foyers.  Therefore Vattenfall anticipates that Stratherrick & Foyers is likely – or will be entitled – to receive the largest share of ‘available’ benefits/funds if consented.

SNCC & SCBF has also opened tentative discussions on a potential share of community ownership, should the project proceed.

 

30.06.2026 for SNCC

 

Glenmarkie Wind Farm 15.06.2026_30.06.2026 (2)