UPDATE ON LYNEMORE WIND FARM, LIVE PLANNING APPLICATION & ECU

COMMUNITY UPDATE

WHAT’S THE STATUS OF THE PROJECT?

Galileo Empower UK’s Lynemore Wind Farm is currently being considered as a live planning application; registered as ECU 00005105.
The proposal is for 14 turbines @ 200m to tip of blade, plus associated battery storage on Carn na H-Easgainn (and it’s associated summits).
Status: Planning Submitted / Under Consideration (01 May 2025)
Galileo Empower UK report the following Lynemore Wind Farm Application Submitted To Energy Consents Unit – Galileo Empower UK

HOW DID THE COMMUNITY RESPOND?

131 Public or Community Representations have been made to date (as of end of July 2025).
To be fully validated – as they are – they have to have been made by 18 June 2025.

HOW DOES THIS FAIR?

Whether for or against it is a terrific representation from the community or public alike.
This speaks volumes about what the community thinks, whether the community are engaged on the project, and how it impacts the community (if consented on).
Key to this is wide ranging input – not just from individuals – but from core Community organisations & interest groups (e.g. Strathnairn Heritage Association, Strathnairn Development Company, and those connected to Local Tourism, Ramblers, Ornithologists, Astronomers, Farmers, etc) as well as local estates and others.

WHAT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED BY THE HOST COMMUNITY COUNCILS & WHEN?

Both of the ‘host communities’ (which are the communities on which the planned development – if consented – will be built) have submitted full and detailed objections to Lynemore.
Both communities have listened to what has been said locally, and brought some further insights to the representation, based on wider knowledge.
Strathdearn Community Council had conducted a community-wide survey on the scoping windfarms in advance of the Lynemore Wind Farm Planning Application going live, and this informs much of their representation.
Strathdearn Community Council’s Representation Application – Strathdearn Community Council Consultation Response – 11 June 2025 – Lynemore Wind Fram__Redacted (1)
Strathnairn took a different approach and consulted widely with the community over several events and methods ahead of and over the consultation period, then measured the community’s response to the application, and fed in thereafter.
Strathnairn Community Council’s Representation Application – Strathnairn Comunity Council Consultation Response – 15 July 2025 – Lynemore Wind Farm.pdf

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The application is now being examined and considered in full by the Highland Council’s Planning Department.
On studying the application – with regards to the relevant frameworks, plans and policies plus in considering the representations from consultees and the public – a recommendation will be made.
This then goes to the local Community Councillors (as elected members) through a recognised public debating process; for a final decision at Regional Level.
And the decision when made, goes forward to the Energy Consents Unit, for a final decision and overview, at National Level.

WHATEVER THE OUTCOME AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY I WOULD STILL LIKE TO SEE OR KNOW MORE – IN GENERAL – WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST I DO?

You may be interested in learning what the Community at large has said.
If so see Scottish Government – Energy Consents Unit – Application Details
More information about Wind Farms – proposed for the 3 Straths – is now published through the Community Councils Website.
Wind Farm Developments | Strathnairn Community
This will allow you to fast track to other scoping developments and give consideration to the cumulative effect.
Alternatively, you might still like to go and have a look for yourself; its always worth a look first hand.
If able we strongly recommend climbing Carn na H-Easgainn, or Beinn Bhuidhe Mhor
The latter gives the clearest view over the proposed development at Lynemore / Carn na H-Easgainn in its context; to Farr, to Inverness, to the Moray Firth and beyond and tests the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV).
Walk Highlands on Lynemore / Càrn na h-Easgainn, near Moy Summit at 616m.
Walk Highlands on Saddlehill / Beinn Bhuidhe Mhor Walk Report – Wanderings up and around Saddle Hill and Beinn Bhuidhe Mhor • Walkhighlands Summit at 548m.