A public local inquiry into plans for a windfarm in Sutherland could be held before the end of the year.
SSE wants to build 27 turbines, each 396ft, at Dalnessie, to the north-east of Lairg.
Highland councillors were split on the development when they discussed the proposals in February.
The decision to raise an objection went on the casting vote of the chairwoman of the north planning applications committee, Isobel McCallum, who said the plans would detrimentally impact the area. She was backed by Councillor Maxine Smith, who said there would be a cumulative impact on tourism.
The council’s objection triggered the public inquiry process, although the plans will ultimately be decided by ministers because of the scale of the development.
The John Muir Trust and Mountaineering Council of Scotland have objected and will take part in the inquiry. The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) has appointed two reporters to the case – Trevor Croft and Alasdair Edwards.
A preliminary hearing will take place on Thursday at the community hall in Lairg at 10am. The DPEA has told interested parties that if the inquiry sessions do not take place in late November or early December, they will be delayed until at least January.
The reporters are also expected to make a number of site visits as part of their inquiry.
At the time of the council decision, SSE director of onshore renewables Colin Nicol said the company was disappointed. He added the proposal attracted community support and would contribute to the Scottish Government’s target to meet 100% of demand for power from renewable sources by 2020.
