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Two SNP politicians back calls to block controversial windfarm on “powerless” Moray community





Clashindarroch Wind Farm in The Cabrach.
Clashindarroch Wind Farm in The Cabrach.

Two SNP politicians have backed calls to block a controversial onshore windfarm on a “powerless” Moray community.

Canadian energy-giant, Boralex wants to build 22 wind turbines and a battery energy storage facility in the remote Cabrach area of Moray — an area with 78 turbines operational within a six-mile radius, and a further 21 consented.

Boralex took over the Clashindarroch “Extension” scheme when it acquired the UK interests of European energy company Infinergy in July 2022 and has now formed a joint venture with the site owner, London-based businessman Dr Christopher Moran.

Community-based organisation The Cabrach Trust say that Boralex had so far rejected a request for a meeting.

Councillor Juli Harris said communities seemed “powerless” to prevent the further encroachment of renewable energy projects in the area.

“I am extremely disappointed that we seem almost powerless to have any form of control on overdevelopment of what is a very environmentally sensitive area and a recognised place of historic importance, which is in the process of regeneration,” said Councillor Harris, who represents Speyside Glenlivet.

“Sadly, we seem to be powerless, whilst large multinationals walk in and extract our resources, making large profits with little evidence of improving people's lives and the wider environment,” she said.

Residents this week condemned the Boralex plan as “a symbol of corporate bullying and greed,” and Councillor Harris added that developments should be “environmentally sustainable and adhere to the principles of protecting our history and heritage” and also help build sustainable rural communities and halt the “inexorable decline” of the rural population.

Her comments were endorsed by SNP Councillor Neil Cameron of the Heldon & Laich ward, and both agree with Moray Council’s view that the development, "would introduce much closer and significantly more intrusive built development into the simple and secluded basin of the Cabrach, resulting in significant adverse effects on its character.”

Councillor Harris, who sits on Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure committee added: “As a Council, we can object to the development, but due to its size, the decision will be made by the Scottish and UK Governments and the multinationals who lobby the hardest.

“Democracy is never on the side of local people, unless the larger national majority agree to it and as a small community, we seemingly have to rely on the NPF4, the stated good intentions of large companies and the needs of the nations for rapid development of renewable energy.

“I fully support any efforts made by The Cabrach Trust and the community to protect the fragile environment as it continues its journey of regeneration.”

Jonathan Christie, chief executive of The Cabrach Trust, the community organisation leading the regeneration of the remote area, said: “As a small, rural community, our sense of isolation and voicelessness from distant decision making and corporate self-interest can be deafening. However, such support from local Councillors offers an important reminder that we are not alone.

“We can understand why local decision makers feel so impotent in the face of centralised decision making, but where projects such as Clashindarroch Extension are involved, there’s a glaring need to work together and amplify our collective concerns in order to root out the bad.”

He added: “We implore Moray Council to stand behind these councillors and stand up for The Cabrach community and lodge a formal objection to this development.”

Esbjörn Wilmar, country director Boralex UK said: "As part of our public consultation exercise we have met with the local community and we have been answering questions throughout the process.

“We are currently reviewing The Cabrach Trust's letter of January 18 and responded to them on January 20 to confirm that we will provide them with a detailed response shortly.''


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