
Overview
We are extremely concerned that Infinis are pursuing a major wind farm on a site which could have significant impacts on nationally important bird species, including golden eagles.
The site is located within an area of open ground approximately 11km south-east of Oban. The potential loss of an extensive area of this upland habitat is especially concerning as golden eagles are already have their landscapes constrained by existing forestry plantations in this area.
The potential cumulative impact of the proposal in addition to other wind farms in the area is a key issue. Wind farms are identified as a likely constraint to the conservation status of golden eagles within the Argyll West and Islands Natural Heritage Zone. Scottish Natural Heritage commissioned a report which you can read here - A conservation framework for golden eagles: implications for their conservation and management in Scotland.
This area has two existing operational wind farms, Beinn Ghlas and Carrig Gheal and a third, Glen Lonan, is currently within the planning system. In combination, these wind farms could have a very serious affect on golden eagle and on other open ground bird species.