Charity concerned by new Monadhliath Mountains wind farm plan
October 7, 2025
Charity concerned by new Monadhliath wind farm plan
Getty ImagesA landscape conservation charity has raised concerns about plans for up to 65 turbines in the Highlands’ Monadhliath Mountains.
Developer Vatenfall has proposed its Glenmarkie project for a site about 10 miles (16km) east of Fort Augustus.
It would be near the 23-turbine Corriegarth Wind Farm, and north of Stronelairg Wind Farm which has 66 turbines and was approved following a legal challenge.
The John Muir Trust said Glenmarkie threatened an “irreplaceable” landscape, but Vatenfall said renewable energy was “essential” to protecting these areas from climate change.
The Monadhliath is an area of mountains, hills and moorland south of Inverness.
The highest Munro – which are mountains measuring 3,000ft (914m) and over – is 945 metres (3,100 ft) Càrn Dearg.
Glenmarkie Wind Farm has been proposed for an area of moorland in Glen Markie.
The land is used for grazing sheep, grouse shooting and deer stalking.
As well as the existing wind farms, a number of proposed schemes have secured planning permission in the surrounding area.
They include 14-turbine Corriegarth 2 and Cloiche which would have 29 turbines.
The John Muir Trust said a national conversation was “urgently needed” about how Scotland reduced its carbon emissions without destroying landscapes, and warned of a “steady creep of industrialisation”.
Director of land and policy David Fleetwood said: “The Glenmarkie Wind Farm is just one of many examples threatening irreplaceable landscapes like the Monadhliath Mountains.
“Unless political leaders deliver strategic planning that truly balances renewables, community benefit and landscape protection, we risk losing what makes Scotland unique.”
He aaded: “Already, you can stand on almost any Munro and see the march of turbines.
“Will we be the generation that lets the last wild view vanish?”
‘Carefully sited’
Vattenfall is one of Europe’s largest producers and retailers of electricity and heat.
The company is planning a series of local public exhibitions as part of the pre-application consultation on Glenmarkie.
It said if approved, the project would help to support jobs and generate community benefit funding.
Lead project development manager Simon Lejeune said: “We understand that the growth of renewable energy development in Scotland can raise concerns, however, Glenmarkie is a carefully sited proposal within an existing wind farm landscape, in the early stages of design.
“Climate change remains the greatest threat to these landscapes, and transitioning to renewable energy is essential to protecting them.”
He added: “We are committed to listening to local voices and ensuring cumulative impacts are fully understood and addressed.”
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