Slickly Wind Farm

Slickly Wind Farm is located at Stroupster West Forest, approximately 13.5 kilometres north of Wick, and approximately 8.5km south of John O’Groats, near the operational Stroupster Wind Farm.

An 11-turbine project was consented by the Scottish Government in 2022. We are in the early stages of optimising the consented project, through a redesign to include a reduction in the number of turbines and an increase in the tip height of the turbines.

About the proposed redesign

As a responsible developer and operator of renewable energy projects, our approach to development involves consulting widely to help shape and inform the final proposal. We look forward to meeting with the local community throughout our pre-application consultation activity.

Our plans include up to 7 turbines, with a maximum height of up to 200 metres to blade tip.

We would like to thank members of the community who came along to our exhibitions to find out about the updated proposal and provide feedback.

Our two exhibitions took place on Wednesday 29 April, 10am-2pm at St Clare Hall, Auckengill and then from 3pm-7pm at Lyth Village Hall, Lyth. Our virtual exhibition was live from Wednesday 29 April until Friday 22^nd May, this exhibition had all the information that was available at our in-person exhibitions.

The next steps are to review the feedback and continue the studies required for the project both of which will help shape development.

What is happening?

Project updates

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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...

1: Consented Application (complete)

Planning permission was received in August 2022 for Slickly Wind Farm. We have an opportunity to improve the project through grid connection delays.

We retain the consented project, which will be progressed in the event that our redesign proposals do not progress.
2: Pre-Application Consultation (ongoing)

We are in consultation with The Highland Council and statutory consultees, including NatureScot, SEPA, and HES, to seek their views on the proposed redesign.

There are likely to be further changes to the layout as studies continue and feedback from communities and consultees is received. Two rounds of public engagement events will take place to discuss the project and its changes with the local community.
3: Submit Application & Await Decision (1-4 years)

An application for planning permission will be submitted to The Highland Council
accompanied by a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report showing the results of all studies undertaken.

A hard copy of the application will be made available to members of the public in an appropriate viewing location; online versions will also be published.

Following submission, interested parties and consultees, such as Community Councils who host and neighbour the proposed development, will be able to make representations to The Highland Council who will determine the application.
4: Construction (1-2 years)

If approved, construction begins at least one year after consent.

We anticipate the construction phase to take 12–24 months. Planning conditions, including the provision of a Construction Environmental Management Plan, are used to manage elements of construction.
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 operational lifetime of the project for
a range of community initiatives.
6: Decommissioning (1 year)

At the end of the planning consent, turbines are removed. A financial bond or guarantee is put in place before construction starts, to cover the decommissioning cost.

The project team

Fraser Clarke

Project Manager

Alison Hood

Head of Engagement and Social Value

Slickly Wind Farm