Slickly Wind Farm

We have consent to build a wind farm located 8km south west of John O’Groats, near the operational Stroupster wind farm.

The approved application consists of 11 turbines, nine with a maximum tip height of 149.9 m and two with a maximum tip height of 135 m, together with associated ancillary infrastructure.

After a review of the current consent, we have decided that the project would benefit from optimisation. We are in the early stages of a redesigned Slickly Wind Farm development, with the final design subject to survey work and the wider Environmental Impact Assessment iterative design process; the redesign will likely include a reduction in the number of turbines and an increase in the tip height of the turbines.

At this stage it is anticipated that any new planning application will remain below the 50 MW threshold and will therefore follow the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 consenting regime (with the determining authority therefore being The Highland Council).

About the proposal

Slickly Wind Farm would represent a natural extension to the existing cluster of wind turbines at Stroupster. As set out in the Highland Council’s: Onshore Wind Supplementary Guidance, new wind energy developments in north-east Caithness are significantly constrained to ensure the relationship between development scale and landscape character and setting is maintained.

However, the Highland Council have stated there is scope to consolidate and improve the existing layout of Stroupster. Slickly Wind Farm will achieve this through careful design with Stroupster and avoiding cumulative effects by ensuring turbine height and proportions work with the existing turbines.

turbine locations map.JPG — Proposed Slickly Wind Farm turbine layout (blue) next to Stroupster (black)

As a responsible developer and operator of renewable energy projects, our approach to development involves consulting widely with local communities. Our final submission has been shaped by responses to our consultation activity from the community and statutory consultees.

The proposal is for an 11 turbine wind farm that has the potential to generate electricity equivalent to the needs of over 31,000 homes. It is located east of Slickly, on land adjacent to the existing Stroupster wind farm development, approximately 8 km south west of John O’Groats.

What is happening?

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Local Suppliers

Our aim is to have the least impact and provide the most benefit to the communities in which we operate. The construction phase is one way we can create economic benefits through inward investment, a...

Stage 1: Site Selection (12 months)

Extensive research to identify suitable sites: positive indicators include good wind speed and minimal environmental and technical constraints.

No public engagement is carried out during this time because the site may not pass the criteria required for being suitable for development.
Stage 2: Pre-Planning (6 - 12 months)

We request the view of the Scottish Government and statutory consultees on the level of study required (known as "Scoping").

Scoping Report is sent to the Dumfries and Galloway Council, local and neighbouring Community Councils and consultees such as NatureScot, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

At this stage, it is expected that our initial proposals will evolve, taking information from studies and engagement with the public and statutory consultees.
Stage 3: Submit Planning Application, and Decision (12 months)

An application is submitted to the Scottish Government, accompanied by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Report showing the results of all studies undertaken.

This is publicly available information and will be provided on this project website, once completed.

Interested parties and statutory consultees can formally comment on the application.
Stage 4: Construction (12 - 18 months)

If Appin Wind Farm is approved, construction begins at least one year after consent.

Construction typically takes 12-18 months and planning conditions are used to manage elements of construction.
Stage 5: Operation (50 years)

The turbines are managed from a regionally based maintenance team, and operations are controlled by detailed planning conditions.

We are committed to community benefit and shared ownership opportunities. A community fund is active throughout the lifetime of the project for worthwhile community initiatives.
Stage 6: Decommissioning (12 months)

At the end of the planning period, turbines are removed. A financial bond, parent company guarantee or another financial instrument is put in place before construction starts to cover this cost.

The project team

Steve Reid

Principal Project Manager

Alison Hood

Head of Engagement and Social Value

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Slickly Wind Farm