Musdale Wind Farm, Argyll and Bute

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. 

The site has the potential to have an impact on the populations of a number of species nationally important conservation status that occur within or near the proposal site.

These include hen harriers, golden eagles, black and red-throated divers, merlins, peregrines and white-tailed eagles. All are protected by Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. Other important Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) species that may be affected include black grouse, golden plover and ring ouzel.

We have provided a written response to the scoping report detailing our significant concerns about this proposed wind farm development.

We have outlined its impact on a number of bird species of national importance.  Detailed survey work and further in-depth modelling and research are currently being undertaken to predict the full impact on bird interests present on the site. We will provide a formal response to the planning application and accompanying Environmental Statement when it is submitted in due course.

After consultation and further environmental survey, this application was withdrawn by developer in February 2015.

• February 2015
  The application is withdrawn following further environmental survey and consultation.
• Autumn 2012 to Summer 2013
  Submission of a planning application and accompanying Environmental Statement expected
• July 2012
  Infinis submit a Proposal of Application Notice to Argyll and Bute Council
• October 2011
  RSPB Scotland scoping response submitted
• September 2011
  Scoping report submitted to Argyll and Bute Council for consultation

• Bird guide: black-throated diver
• Bird guide: golden eagle
• Bird guide: hen harrier
• Bird guide: red-throated diver
• Bird guide: white-tailed eagle