Glenurquhart and Strathglass
Wind Energy Project
Potential Windfarm Site
At the head of Glenurquhart, which runs to the West from Loch Ness, lies the estate of Corrimony owned by Lindsay and Mamie Girvan. The land has been farmed by the Girvan family since 1941 when Lindsay's father Mr David Girvan took the tenancy. The estate was purchased in 1992. The farm consists of 300 acres of inbye land and 6,700 acres of hill land which rises to 600m above sea level. Within this hill area close to a hill field used for grazing cows, lies an area at 455m above sea level ideal for the development of a 10MW windfarm. The grid reference is NH 3424.
Map of area showing proposed layout of wind turbines
Suitability of Site
Preliminary assessment of the proposed wind energy project appears favourable. Guidance and resources from SNH identified all nearby Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) none of which are close to the site. A full ornithological and habitat survey will be necessary and has been conducted. This survey has encompassed a vantage point survey, breeding bird surveys, a geese survey and assessment of impact upon mammals and vegetation.
A preliminary landscape and visual impact assessment has also been conducted, with cumulative and sequential issues becoming important through the Highland areas, and a qualified archaeologist has completed a preliminary archaeology assessment.
Site Wind Resource
The national wind data survey shows that the average wind speed available for the site is 7.9 m/s at a height of 45m. This is an excellent wind speed for a windfarm site and will guarantee a good return. The site of the 850 kW Burray wind turbine has an estimated average wind speed of 8.5 m/s and a 51% useage rate. It currently produces 3,850 MWh / year. It is estimated that the Corrimony Windfarm with slightly lower windspeed and less frequent wind will return around 5,500 MWh / 2MW turbine, a total of 27,500 MWh / annum for the windfarm.
The site is open to the North, West and East, the main sources of wind for the site. A windmast has been erected to monitor the wind speed and the wind direction throughout the year accurately.