Updated 24 september 2026.
It’s clear that weather patterns are changing and this is a symptom of global warming. Global warming doesn’t mean that it will get warmer right here though. The consensus view is that global warming is a consequence of emissions of CO2 and other gases as a result of human activity, and electricity generation is a significant source of CO2. So Scotland as part of the UK has made a commitment to eliminate CO2 emissions from electricity generation. That means much more electricity from CO2-free sources, including wind turbines. Scotland is relatively windy, but the main demand for electricity is in the Central Belt and further south in England. So more cables are needed to take electricity from the Highlands south.
Permission for pylons and for large wind farms and battery storage facilities is granted by the Scottish Government, rather than The Highland Council. Community Councils are consulted formally at two stages in the approval process, ‘scoping opinion’ and ‘consent’. Additionally, non-binding guidance says that developers should hold at least two public events to seek feedback on their proposals.
‘Scoping opinion’ is all about whether the applicant’s planned programme of investigation will answer the questions asked by Policy 11 of the National Planning Framework. The applicant is required to take heed of all of the comments made, but this isn’t the same as ‘comply with’. Contin Community Council has responded to scoping requests.
‘Consent’ is the big question – will permission be given to go ahead, and with what conditions attached? At this stage anyone can object, but the grounds for objecting are limited. ‘Not happy with the idea’ is insufficient ground.
What we can and will do is make sure that everyone is informed about what is happening, and we can listen. Talk to us! contincommunitycouncil@gmail.com
The Community Councils of the Highlands have held two conventions on electricity applications. Our elected representatives have agreed to ask for a pause, until a Planning Inquiry Commission can be convened and report on the appplications as a whole. The signed document is here. A recording of the convention is here.
We will not respond to every consultation – there are too many – but we will/have responded to the nearest. See the table below. If we have responded and the pre-application is complete, our response will be on the Energy Consents Unit web-site as part of the Scoping Opinion and can be looked up there using the ECU project number.
| Development | Number | Status | What we have done | What next? |
| Abhainn Dubh | ECU00004732 | Consultation closed | Declined to comment | Awaiting ECU decision, The Highland Council did not object. Additional Information submitted which re-starts the determination process |
| Carn Fearna | ECU00004851 | Consultation closed | Opposed. Objection here The Highland Council has objected, here | Referred to DPEA, awaiting appointment of Reporter |
| Tarvie | ECU00005126 | Pre-application complete | Scoping comments submitted. Meetings held with developer but no substantive change. | On hold indefinitely |
| Fairburn extension | ECU00004542 | Application stalled | ||
| Corriemoillie battery storage | ECU00005155 | Consultation closed | Objection submitted. The Highland Council also objected. | Awaiting ECU decision |
| Ballach wind farm | ECU00005219 | Consultation closed | Objection submitted. No decision yet from The Highland Council | Awaiting ECU decision |
| Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly power line | ECU00006008 | Consultation closed Detailed map now available here. Access routes here. | Objection submitted, here. The Highland Council has also objected, see here | Public inquiry November 2026. Contin CC will participate. There will be community hearings as part of the inquiry. Active project, see here |
| Glasa wind farm | ECU00006127 | Consultation closed | Scoping comments submitted, see here | Pre-application complete |
| Western Isles HVDC link | Permitted development | Public presentation held, EIA report here. | No action possible, but we will negotiate over possible benefits. | Active project, see here |
| Fanellan substation | 25/00826/FUL | Application refused by The Highland Council. SSEN has appealed, Reporter appointed. | Contin CC did not respond | DPEA case reference PPA-270-2327. The target decision date is 1 October 2026, but this decision will then be reviewed by the Scottish Government and may be changed. |
| Beauly-Blackhillock power line | ECU00005165 | Consultation closed | Objection submitted, see here. The Highland Council and Moray Council have objected. | Inquiry 18-19 August, Inverness DPEA case reference PPA-270-2327 |
Consultations
| What | Link | Closing date | Public or CC | Action |
| Electricity infrastructure consenting in Scotland | https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/electricity-infrastructure-consenting-in-scotland | closed | Public | Electricity Act 1989 has been revised |
| Community benefits | https://consult.gov.scot/offshore-wind-directorate/community-benefits-net-zero-energy-developments/ | 25 March 2026 | Public | Further public consultation here |
Links
The Highland Council wind farm map https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/198/planning_-_long_term_and_area_policies/152/renewable_energy/4
Energy Consents Unit https://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationSearch.aspx