Project updates
These are the latest project updates for Achrugan Wind Farm
Latest news
A team of cyclists from Statkraft has raised funds for Mikeysline by taking on the 66-mile Etape Loch Ness, supporting the Highland mental health charity that provides a vital lifeline to people in crisis.
The six-strong team included Iain Robertson, Head of Statkraft Scotland, who joined the ride to support a cause close to his heart. After meeting the team at
Mikeysline, he said:
“It was a privilege to meet the Mikeysline team and hear first-hand about the work they do. You can see how much they care, and how determined they are to support people in their most difficult moments.
“Mental health challenges affect so many of us - directly or through people we care about - and services like Mikeysline are absolutely vital. They provide a safe space and real support when it's needed most. I’m proud our team could play a small part in helping them in that work.”
Iain was joined by Scott Gilbert, Project Director for Statkraft’s Loch na Cathrach pumped hydro project, and John Young, Public Affairs Manager for Statkraft, to hand over the cheque on behalf of the group.
Scott, who lives locally with his wife and has fundraised for Mikeysline in the past, added:
“It’s impossible to live here and not know about the amazing work Mikeysline do day in, day out. Their staff and volunteers are incredibly committed and make a real difference to people’s lives across the region and in our schools.
Our team of Statkraft cyclists were proud to take on the Etape and raise funds for a charity that so many people in the Highlands turn to when they need help the most.”
Together, the team raised £2,718 which was match funded by Statkraft, doubling the donation to support Mikeysline’s vital work to £5436.
With several major renewable energy projects underway across the Highlands, including Achrugan, Loch Liath, Coille Beith, and Carn Fearna, Statkraft is committed to supporting the communities it works in and upholding its good neighbour ethos.
Allana Stables, Bee the Change Manager from Mikeysline said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Statkraft team for their support. Fundraising like this helps us continue to be that vital lifeline across our local communities. Every single donation really does make a difference and the fact that people are willing to get involved, raise awareness, and show up for others really does means the world to our grassroots charity.”
Statkraft will sponsor the Highlands & Islands Green Energy Conference 2025 in Inverness on May 22, gathering policymakers, industry leaders, and community voices to discuss renewable infrastructure, local supply chains, and workforce development for Scotland’s net zero goals.
Head of Statkraft Scotland, Iain Robertson said:
“Statkraft is proud to be an event sponsor, as part of our ongoing commitment to Scotland’s target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045 - with the Highlands and Islands playing a leading role in the UK’s energy transition.
"From developments that include Loch na Cathrach, our pumped storage hydro project on the shores of Loch Ness, and Energy Isles Wind Farm in Shetland - Statkraft is making a difference to deliver renewable infrastructure that creates skilled jobs, supports communities, and drives long-term impact."
The Achrugan Wind Farm team would like to thank members of the community who returned feedback online, in person or through our postal response forms during the consultation period from 29 May – 14 June.
The in-person public consultation events were held in Strathy and Bettyhill Village Halls on 29 and 30 May. You can still view the information on display and give your feedback on the project.
The primary purpose was to introduce Statkraft and the Achrugan Wind Farm to the local community, and gather feedback on the project. The project is still at an early stage and a range of studies are underway including landscape and visual assessments, ecological, noise, shadow flicker and socio-economics. These studies all form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA Report) required for wind farms and will be publicly available when an application is submitted.
The next steps are to review the feedback and continue the studies required for the project, both of which will help shape the development. We expect that the project will change from the design shared during our events, and we will hold a second round of public consultation events to keep the local community updated before an application is made. In the meantime, we will be keeping local community councils and groups updated. Residents are encouraged to register to be added to the mailing list.
Statkraft have announced a proposal for a new wind farm development, known as Achrugan, near Strathy in Caithness. The proposal is for up to 14 turbines and 50MW of battery energy storage, located in an area of plantation forestry approximately 27km south-west of Thurso.
The project is at an early stage of development, with the first formal approach to The Highland Council (via scoping) shortly and an application to The Scottish Government (Section 36 application) to follow in 2025.
Ahead of the submission of a scoping request, local residents and businesses are invited to meet the project team and view the early plans at two upcoming exhibitions:
- Strathy Village Hall: 1.30pm to 7.30pm, Wednesday, 29th May 2024; and
- Bettyhill Village Hall: 10am to 2pm, Thursday, 30th May 2024.