Project Info

The proposed wind farm site is located on the north-west of the Isle of Skye, approximately 3km to the south of Edinbane, 6.5km east of Dunvegan and 7km north of Struan, as shown in the site location plan below. This map shows the site (outlined in red) in the context of the surrounding area.

The majority of the turbines would be located on the Bracadale Estate, on land which forms part of the Balmeanach and Caroy Common Grazings. Wind2 have been working with the Balmeanach and Caroy Grazings Committee on the development of the scheme.

The project originally consisted of up to 10 wind turbines with a blade tip height of 149.9m, reduced to nine turbines in May 2025, and an estimated overall capacity of around 40MW. The design has been developed by a multidisciplinary project team, through a consultation process taking into consideration feedback from consultees, the community and experienced consultants.

The project team have undertaken a suite of environmental surveys and assessments across the site. The results have been incorporated into the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the design process, informing the finalised layout that strikes the optimum balance between maximising renewable energy generation and its associated benefits whilst reducing any adverse impacts to a practicable minimum through a considered mitigation plan.

Project Timeline:

August 2022 - Scoping opinion request submitted to The Highland Council

August 2023 - Planning application submitted to The Highland Council

May 2025 - Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) provided to The Highland Council

In May 2025, we submitted further information to The Highland Council revising the wind farm plans. Within the information supplied to The Highland Council, the proposed Balmeanach Wind Farm proposes to retain the 149.9m turbine tip height but has reduced the overall scale of the project by one turbine following feedback and advice from NatureScot and The Highland Council. Consequently, Balmeanach Wind Farm has been reduced to nine turbines. You can view the revised plans below and through The Highland Council planning portal (reference 23/04194/FUL) - https://wam.highland.gov.uk/wa...

Non-Technical Summary:

V ol 1 Balmeanach SEI NTS Final

Vol 1 BAL SEI NTS Figure 1 Site Location

Vol 1 BAL SEI NTS Figure 2 Application Boundary

Vol 1 BAL SEI NTS Figure 3 Revised Site Layout

Chapters:

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch1 Introduction Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch2 Site Design Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch3 Description of Development Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch4 Policy Context Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch5 EIA Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch6 Scoping and Consultation Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch7 Landscape and Visual Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch8 Ecology Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch9 Ornithology Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch10 Hydrology Hydrogeology and Soils Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch11 Cultural Heritage Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch12 Traffic and Transport Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch13 Noise Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch14 Socio Ec and Land Use Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch15 Other Considerations Final

Vol 2 BAL SEI Ch16 Schedule of Commitments Final

Figures:

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 1 2 Application Boundary

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 2 1 Environmental Designations

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 2 2a Design Constraints

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 2 2b Traffic Light Constraints

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 2 3a Turbine Layout Changes

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 2 3b Infrastructure Changes

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 2 4 Predicted Visibility of the Site from Balmeanach and Edinbane

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 3 1 Site Layout Plan

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 3 2 Site Access

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 5 1a Cumulative Developments Operational Consented within 10 km

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 5 1b Cumulative Developments at Scoping Stage Within 10 km

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 7 1 Study Area

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 7 5e Tip Height Comparative ZTV Application vs Revised Layout

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 7 6 Proposed Substation ZTV

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 7 7 Landscape Designations and Visibility

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 7 8 Landscape Character Types ZTV

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 7 9 Routes and Settlements with Visibility

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 7 13 Cumulative Sites within 15km

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 7 15a Cumulative ZTV Revised Balmeanach With Other Proposed Wind Farm Developments

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 1 Designated Sites Within 10 km

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 1 1 Site Location and Survey Areas

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 1 2 UK Habitat

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 1 3 NVC

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 2 Historic Areas of Peat with NVC

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 2 1 Survey Area and Target Note Locations

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 3 Peatland Condition

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 4 1 Static Detector Locations

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 8 5 1 Habitat Management Areas

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 1 Site Location and Statutory Designated Sites

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 2 Ornithology Survey Area

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 3 White tailed Eagle Flight Lines Year 1

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 4 Other Raptor Flight Lines Year 1

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 5 Golden Eagle Flight Lines Year 1

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 6 Waterfowl and Wader Flight Lines

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 7 White tailed Eagle Flight Lines Year 2

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 8 Hen Harrier Flight Lines Year 2

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 9 Golden Eagle Flight Lines Year 2

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 1 10 Wader Flight Lines Year 2

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 3 1 White tailed Eagle Flight Lines

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 3 2 Hen Harrier Flight Lines

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 3 3 Golden Eagle Flight Lines

Vol 3a BAL SEI Figure 9 3 4 Golden Plover Flight Lines

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 Local Hydrology

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 2 Soils

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 3 Carbon and Peatland 2016 Map

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 3 1 PWS Sources

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 4 Superficial Geology

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 5a Bedrock Geology

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 5b Bedrock Geology Legend

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 8 Potential GWDTE

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 1 Site Location

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 2 Site Layout

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 3 Superficial Geology

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 4a Solid Geology

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 4b Solid Geology Legend

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 5 Geomorphology

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 6 Peat Depth

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 7 Peat Depth Over 0 5 m

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 8 Slope

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 1 9 Peat Slide Risk

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 2 1 Site Location

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 2 2 Site Layout

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 2 3 Peat Depth

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 2 4 Peat Depth Over 0 5 m

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 10 2 5 Detailed Peat Depth Analysis

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 1 Gazetteer Assets

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 2 Heritage Designations

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 3 Heritage Viewpoints

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 4 CH01 Dun Neill SM3885

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 5 CH02 Dun Arkaig Broch SM13662

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 6 CH03 Dun Feorlig SM3494

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 7 CH04 Abhainn Bhaile Mheadhonaich SM13664

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 8 CH05 Dun Osdale SM3493

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 9 CH06 Dun Flashader SM911

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 10 CH07 Ullinish Lodge Chambered Cairn SM903

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 11 CH08 Barpannan 2 Chambered Cairns SM893

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 12 CH09 Ullinish Fort SM930

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 13 CH01 Dun Neill SM3885

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 14 CH02 Dun Arkaig Broch SM13662

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 15 CH03 Dun Feorlig SM3494

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 16 CH04 Abhainn Bhaile Mheadhonaich SM13664

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 17 CH05 Dun Osdale SM3493

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 18 CH06 Dun Flashader SM911

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 19 CH07 Ullinish Lodge Chambered Cairn SM903

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 20 CH08 Barpannan 2 Chambered Cairns SM893

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 21 CH09 Ullinish Fort SM930

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 11 22 Viewpoint CH10 B884 Colbost

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 12 2 1 Site Access Location

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 12 2 2 Proposed Abnormal Load Route

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 13 1 Noise Assessment Study Area Receptor and Measurement Locations

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 14 1 Zone of Theoretical Visibility

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 14 2 Community Council Areas

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 14 2 1 Proposed Paths Plan

Vol 3f BAL SEI Figure 14 3 Socio Economic and Land use Plan

Technical Appendices:

Vol 4 BAL SEI TA7 4 SEI Figures 7 4 10 7 4 11 RVAA Update

Vol 4 BAL SEI TA8 5 OHMP Update Final

Vol 4 BAL SEI TA10 2 SEI Annex 10 2 A PMP Update Excavated Materials

Vol 4 BAL SEI TA15 1 Carbon Calculator Outputs Fina

The Highland Council Visualisations:

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 36 VP1 A863 at the junction with the road to Feorlig

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 37 VP2 Edinbane Top Rd

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 38 VP3 A863 Road

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 39 VP4 Roag

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 40 VP5 A850

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 41 VP6 B884 nr Lonmore

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 42 VP7 Minor Road to Greshornish

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 43 VP8 B885 Road

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 44 VP9 Kingsburgh

Vol 3d BAL SEI Figure 7 45 VP10 A850 A87 West of Borve

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 46 VP11 Macleods Table North Healabhal Mhor

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 47 VP12 Fiskavig

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 48 VP13 A87 Road

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 49 VP14 Totaig

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 50 VP15 The Storr

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 51 VP16 Ben Tianavig

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 52 VP17 Uig Idrigill

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 53 VP18 Uig Lochmaddy Ferry Route

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 54 VP19 Beinn Edra

Vol 3e BAL SEI Figure 7 55 VP20 Bruach na Frithe

NatureScot Visualisations:

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 16 VP1 A863 at the junction with the road to Feorlig

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 17 VP2 Edinbane Top Rd

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 18 VP3 A863 Road

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 19 VP4 Roag

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 20 VP5 A850

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 21 VP6 B884 nr Lonmore

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 22 VP7 Minor Road to Greshornish

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 23 VP8 B885 Road

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 24 VP9 Kingsburgh

Vol 3b BAL SEI Figure 7 25 VP10 A850 A87 West of Borve

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 26 VP11 Macleods Table North Healabhal Mhor

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 27 VP12 Fiskavig

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 28 VP13 A87 Road

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 29 VP14 Totaig

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 30 VP15 The Storr

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 31 VP16 Ben Tianavig

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 32 VP17 Uig Idrigill

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 33 VP18 Uig Lochmaddy Ferry Route

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 34 VP19 Beinn Edra

Vol 3c BAL SEI Figure 7 35 VP20 Bruach na Frithe

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The Highland Council has also asked us to look at Balmeanach Wind Farm in conjunction with our other project, Ben Sca Redesign Wind Farm. The documents showing how both projects would accommodate each other are below. All of the Ben Sca Redesign Wind Farm SEI documentation can be found on the Ben Sca project website (www.benscawindfarm.co.uk).

Vol 5 BAL SEI Appendix A Combined BAL BSR OHMP Final

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 1 Application Boundaries

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 2 Combined Site Layout

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 3 Environmental Designations

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 4 Site Access

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 5 Cumulative ZTV

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 6 Landscape Designations and ZTV

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 7 Landscape Character with ZTV

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 8 Key Route Settlement ZTV

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 9 Visibility of Substations

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 10a VP1 A863 Junction with road to Feorlig

Vol 5 BAL SEI Figure V5 10b VP2 Edinbane Top Road