A wind energy firm has pledged to work with organisers of the Granite City Rally amid fears the north-east’s biggest motor sport event could be blown off course.
Concerns were raised that the construction of the 25-turbine Mid Hill windfarm at Fetteresso Forest would threaten the future of the popular race.
A section of the rally, which is held this weekend, covers between 10 and 15 miles of tracks around the woodland area near Stonehaven.
Clerk of the course Ian Shiells said the rally team may be forced to consider alternative sites in the future if there is not a large enough area of land available for use.
Several access roads are already closed off to allow access for the turbine development.
But a spokesman for green energy firm Fred Olsen Renewables said the company was keen to come to an agreement with race organisers and the Forestry Commission, which owns the land.
The spokesman said: “We don’t believe that our development will have any effect on the rally.
“From our perspective, we want to ensure the safe construction and running of the windfarm, but we are happy to work with the Forestry Commission to find a solution.”
Mr Shiells said that about 100 crews will take part in this year’s rally, while between 20,000 and 30,000 spectators are expected to attend.
He said the organising team are aware the route of the Fetteresso stages of the race may have to be altered for next year.
He said: “There is no doubt we will have to negotiate the route we can use, and I think it is going to make the life of the organisers more difficult.
“But once the building work is finished we would hope that the restrictions will be resolved or removed altogether.”
The Mid Hill windfarm was granted planning consent by Aberdeenshire Council in 2004, but work was held up due to problems connecting up to the National Grid.
The company submitted plans for a nine-turbine extension to the site last year.