Utilising the Natural Environment to Harness Clean, Zero Carbon Energy
Utilising the Natural Environment to Harness Clean, Zero Carbon Energy
ESB is developing proposals for West Torrisdale Wind Farm
If consented, the wind farm will utilise the natural environment to harness clean, zero carbon energy and also support the long-term management of the forest in which West Torrisdale Wind Farm will be located.
The Section 36 application for our West Torrisdale Wind Farm proposal has been submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) and from 10th January 2025 is ‘live’ on the ECU portal at www.energyconsents.scot under application reference ECU00002224.
Any representations on the application may be submitted by email to the Scottish Government via representations@gov.scot; or by post to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU, identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation.
All representations should be received not later than 17th February 2025 although Ministers may consider representations received after this date.
ESB intends to undertake a further community consultation event in Carradale in early February 2025 to provide an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions about the West Torrisdale Wind Farm proposals.
The site is located in Argyll and Bute, on the Kintyre peninsula. View the Location Plan for a detailed map of location.
The West Torrisdale Wind Farm proposal comprises:
As part of the Section 36 application process we have undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to assess the effects of the development on the natural, physical and human environment. The number, size and layout of the turbines have been determined by environmental, technical and commercial constraints identified during the EIA and iterative design processes.
The EIA, which has been published in an EIA Report, covers topics including landscape and visual amenity; ornithology and ecology; archaeology and cultural heritage; geology, hydrogeology and hydrology; traffic and highways; noise; forestry; and socio economics.
ESB appointed Ramboll UK Limited (Ramboll), an experienced environmental consultancy, as lead consultant to carry out the EIA and related assessments to accompany the Section 36 application to Scottish Ministers.
Consultation with statutory and non-statutory authorities and with the public was a key part of the EIA process.
A digital Zone of Theoretical Visibility model was created to illustrate the geographical area within which views of the proposed turbines are theoretically possible. This is based on a ‘bare-earth’ scenario, whereby the screening effect of areas of existing vegetation or built features in the landscape are not taken into account.
We have assessed 16 viewpoint locations intended to be representative of the visual experience either in a general location or from a specific or important vantage point. Click on the viewpoint location from the list below to view the wireline and photomontage visualisations.
Kintyre Way near Torrisdale Castle
B879 above the Millenium Bench
B879 on entering Saddell from the South
On the Kintyre Way by Ballimenach Hill
Carradale Golf Course/ Carradale Explorer Walk (bench overlooking tees 6 and 15)
Lochranza to Claonaig Ferry (Kilbrannan Sound)
Carragh an Talaidh, chambered cairn, Brackley (SM 189)
Sunadale, Dun 275m NE of (SM 3643)
Machrie Moor, Arran (SM 90207)
Saddell Bay (Saddell Castle (LB 18403) and Saddell House (LB 18394) group setting)
ESB will be holding a further public consultation event in Carradale in early February 2025, for the public to comment on the submitted application proposals.
We will post links on this webpage to the consultation materials immediately prior to the consultation event.
For more information on the West Torrisdale Wind Farm project and for opportunities to discuss the project with the team, please contact ESB at westtorrisdale@esb.ie.
Any representations on the application may be submitted by email to the Scottish Government via representations@gov.scot; or by post to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU, identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation.
All representations should be received not later than 17th February 2025 although Ministers may consider representations received after this date.
The development of West Torrisdale Wind Farm would bring several important benefits at both the local and national levels.
If ESB's proposals for West Torrisdale Wind Farm are consented and constructed, the benefits associated with it will span the local environment, economy and community.
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