OREANDA-NEWS. SSE has submitted an application to the Scottish Government for an extension to Gordonbush wind farm near Brora, Sutherland.

If consented, the 16-turbine, Section 36 proposal has the potential to provide significant socio-economic gains for the area similar to the benefits and investment already delivered by the existing site over the last few years. 

The existing Gordonbush wind farm generates enough renewable energy each year to power over 60,000 homes* and has delivered around ?20million in the procurement of goods and services from Highland businesses – including the local supply chain – during construction.  It has also delivered ?1.9million of local road improvements in Strath Brora, committed ?1million to the refurbishment of the Old Schoolhouse building in Brora, and distributed over ?570,000 of funding support for 130 community projects and counting across Brora, Golspie, Helmsdale and Rogart including a new apprenticeship scheme for young people from these four areas. 

Michael Walker, SSE Development Project Manager, said:  “As a responsible developer SSE is proud of its reputation for working closely and considerately with communities and the Gordonbush extension has the potential to deliver significant local benefits as well as supporting the regional supply chain. We have taken on board the comments and feedback received from local people and other stakeholders during the pre-application consultation phase and designed the extension in such a way that minimises visibility, particularly from Strath Brora. Our public exhibition in April, which presented the final design, was received positively with the majority of feedback in favour of the proposal.  We hope to build on this support during the determination process as we close engagement with the local community.”

A statutory consultation seeking views on the proposal will now be conducted by the Scottish Government.