Boralex Wind Farm Update - Community Liaison Group
We had a Community Liaison Group meeting with the Boralex project team this week to get an update on the wind farm road upgrade works and discuss some of the concerns and feedback being raised locally.
Here are the main points:
Road upgrades
The Bridge works are now complete and were reported to have gone well. The wider road upgrade covers around 25km from the A836 through to the wind farm site entrance. The detailed design has taken longer than anticipated due to the complexity of the route, further surveys and some sections where there is limited space within the existing road corridor. Boralex is currently working with its contractor and designer to finalise the design for submission to the Council. At this stage, work on the ground is now more likely to begin in November rather than October, although there is still some uncertainty. Boralex will provide a further update once there is more certainty.
Keeping the community informed
Boralex acknowledged the frustration caused by the lack of a definite start date and confirmed that updates will continue through the community WhatsApp group, Facebook and email.
They also intend to hold further face-to-face community engagement before mobilisation and once there is more detailed information available.
Turbine deliveries – lessons from Lairg
We also discussed the recent turbine deliveries through Lairg. Overall, these were reported to have gone well, but one of the main lessons was the need for much clearer and more extensive signage, particularly around the A9 and the Mound junction.
This feedback will be taken forward for future deliveries.
Impact of the roadworks
The next phase is expected to involve three work gangs operating on different sections of the road and could result in delays of up to around 30 minutes at a time.
The works are currently expected to take approximately six months.
We discussed the particular impact this could have on people who need to travel regularly to Inverness for essential appointments, including healthcare and dental appointments.
Proposed fuel voucher scheme
Boralex is looking at establishing a fuel voucher scheme to help residents with additional fuel costs resulting from the increased mileage during the roadworks, for vital health appointments.
The proposal is to work with local garages in Kinlochbervie, Scourie and Durness, with the scheme administered.
This is still being worked through, so further details will be shared once the arrangements are confirmed.
Next community engagement
Boralex is provisionally looking at 14th and 15th October for its next visit to the area, although these dates will depend on progress with the project and the amount of information available to share.
We’ll continue to pass on updates as we receive them.
A big thank you to everyone who continues to provide feedback and raise issues on behalf of the wider community. Keeping communication open and making sure local concerns are heard is really important as the project moves forward.
