A Scottish Government reporter who will decide the fate of a windfarm on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park has been offered a helicopter trip to surrounding peaks.
RWE npower renewables, which has plans for 31 turbines on Alvie, Dalraddy and Dunachton Estate, near Kincraig, said it was the only way that reporter Jill Moody would be able to assess their impact on the landscape.
If approved by Scottish ministers, the Allt Duine windfarm would be only a few hundred yards from the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park and visible from a number of mountains within its area.
The proposals will be the subject of a public inquiry at Aviemore this month. It will start on October 22, at the Aviemore Highland Resort, dealing with policy, landscape and ornithology issues. The reporter will also make a number of site visits.
Representing RWE npower renewables, Marcus Trinick QC said: “We would look to have you visit some of the higher hills and tops and viewpoints. We would be able to provide a helicopter that seats four.”
But Rod Mackenzie, representing Highland Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said Ms Moody should walk for “an appreciation of the different views of the application site as you go up the mountains and come on to the plateau”.
Ms Moody said that RWE should submit its offer in writing, adding that in the past similar gestures had been refused.