Proposed Energy Isles Wind Farm, Shetland

Loch Liath Wind Farm

The Application for Loch Liath Wind Farm has been submitted and is currently under consideration by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consent Unit (ECU). You can view the full planning submission on this website or on the ECU website (ref. ECU00002182). All representations on the final application should be made to the ECU via their website, post or email.

Loch Liath Wind Farm is a proposal for a 13-turbine wind farm development, to the west of the Great Glen and Loch Ness, and with the closest turbine being located approximately 13 kilometres south-west of Drumnadrochit. The wind farm will consist of turbines at a combination of 180m and 200m tip heights. If consented, the project will generate enough energy to power 78,000 Scottish householder every year.

We are keen to answer any questions that you may have about the project. You can email your questions to ukprojects@statkraft.com or call 0800 772 0668 to arrange a chat with our Loch Liath team.

You can find the full story behind Loch Liath Wind Farm on this page, including information from the 2021 exhibition where an initial 26 turbine layout was introduced and the 2022 exhibition where the final 13 turbine layout was presented.

You can find full details of our scoping exercise, our 2021 and 2022 exhibitions and more on this site. This website will be kept updated to keep you informed as the application progresses.

What is happening?

Project updates

Get the latest updates and developments for Loch Liath Wind Farm, and feel free to contact us using the contact form.

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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 The Highland Council on the level of study required (known as "Scoping").

Scoping is sent to local and neighbouring Community Councils and consultees such as NatureScot, SEPA and Historic Environment Scotland.

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 (12-24 months)

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

This is publicly available information and will be available on this project website.

Interested parties and statutory consultees such as The Highland Council can formally comment on the application.
Stage 4: Construction (18-24 months)

If the project 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 (30-35 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 or parent company guarantee is put in place before construction starts to cover this cost.

The project team

Heather Lafferty

Senior Project Manager

Scott Vallance

Principal Project Manager

Seumas Skinner

Community Liaison Manager

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