Prepared By

West Coast Energy Limited Mynydd Awel Mold Business Park Maes Gwern Mold CH7 1XN HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

VOLUME ONE - WRITTEN TEXT

CHAPTER ONE - INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Application 1.2 The Applicant 1.3 The Environmental Statement 1.4 Structure of the Documents 1.5 The Consultancy Team

CHAPTER TWO – EIA APPROACH & CONSULTATION

2.1 The EIA Process 2.2 Screening 2.3 Scoping 2.4 Scoping Responses 2.5 Consultation 2.6 Public Consultation 2.7 Prediction & Evaluation of Impacts 2.8 Mitigation Measures 2.9 Cumulative Impacts 2.10 Assumptions & Limitations

CHAPTER THREE – SITE SELECTION, ALTERNATIVES & PROJECT DESCRIPTION

3.1 Strategic Site Selection 3.2 The Falck Layout 3.3 Detailed Site Design 3.4 Project Description 3.5 Construction 3.6 Pollution Prevention & Health & Safety 3.7 Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) 3.8 Site Reinstatement 3.9 Decommissioning

CHAPTER FOUR – NEED, BENEFITS & PLANNING & ENERGY POLICY

4.1 Introduction 4.2 Impacts of Global Warming & Climate Change

CHAPTER FIVE - LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

5.1 Executive Summary 5.2 Introduction 5.3 Policy, Legislation & Guidance 5.4 Methodology 5.5 Baseline Conditions 5.6 Landscape Resource Baseline Description 5.7 Visual Amenity Baseline Description 5.8 Assessment of Effects on the Landscape Resource 5.9 Assessment of Effects on Visual Amenity 5.10 Significant Effects of Nigg Wind Farm 5.11 Cumulative Effects 5.12 Cumulative Visual Amenity

CHAPTER SIX – ECOLOGY & ORNITHOLOGY

6.1 Introduction 6.2 Nature Conservation Legislation & Planning Policy 6.3 Methodology 6.4 Baseline Conditions & Evaluation of Ecological Receptors 6.5 Baseline Conditions & Evaluation of Avian Receptors 6.6 Summary of Ecological & Ornithological Baseline Evaluation 6.7 Impact Assessment 6.8 Mitigation 6.9 Cumulative Impact Assessment 6.10 Conclusions

CHAPTER SEVEN – CULTURAL HERITAGE

7.1 Introduction 7.2 Planning Policy Context 7.3 Approach to Assessment 7.4 Assessment Methodology 7.5 Baseline Conditions 7.6 Effects & Mitigation 7.7 Statement of Significance

CHAPTER EIGHT – HYDROLOGY, GEOLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY

8.1 Introduction 8.2 Assessment Approach 8.3 Baseline Conditions 8.4 Impact Assessment 8.5 Summary & Conclusions CHAPTER NINE - NOISE

9.1 Introduction 9.2 Methodology & Approach 9.3 Noise Level Criteria 9.4 Significance Criteria 9.5 Baseline Conditions 9.6 Construction Noise Effects 9.7 Operational Noise Effects 9.8 Cumulative Noise 9.9 Summary

CHAPTER TEN – SAFETY, INFRASTRUCTURE & RECREATIONAL ACCESS

10.1 Introduction 10.2 Safety of Wind Turbines 10.3 Shadow Flicker 10.4 Aviation & Radar 10.5 Infrastructure 10.6 Recreational Access Including Core Paths 10.7 Conclusion

CHAPTER ELEVEN – TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT & ACCESS

11.1 Executive Summary 11.2 Introduction 11.3 Traffic Impact Assessment Methodology 11.4 Route to Site 11.5 Baseline Traffic Volumes 11.6 Assessment of Potential Effects 11.7 Mitigation 11.8 Summary of Effects

CHAPTER TWELVE – SOCIO-ECONOMICS

12.1 Introduction 12.2 Methodology & Approach 12.3 Socio-Economics 12.4 Conclusion & Summary HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Chapter One

Introduction

HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 THE APPLICATION

1.1.1 This Environmental Statement (ES) supports an application to The Highland Council by West Coast Energy Ltd. for consent under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 for construction of up to three wind turbines and associated ancillary development at Wester Rarichie, Nigg, in Easter Ross. The proposal will be referred to as the Hill of Nigg Wind Turbines.

1.1.2 The development site lies 3.3 kms south-west of Balintore in Easter Ross on the northern flank of Hill of Nigg, on the Fearn peninsula. The site is currently used for the grazing of cattle and sheep. The Nigg Oil terminal and the Nigg Energy Park lie some 5km south west of the site. The nearest individual properties are Wester Rarichie cottages which is 1,120m from the closest turbine as well as Easter Rarichie cottage at 1,395m and Strath of Pitcalnie at 1,490m. The planning application boundary encompasses a total area of 54.5 hectares. Figure 3.1 (Volume 3) shows the site location. The OS national grid reference for the site centre is approximately NH83823 72740 (1:50,000, OS Landranger Sheet 21).

1.1.3 The proposal is for up to 3 wind turbine generators and associated ancillary development. Each wind turbine will be rated between 2 and 2.5MW installed capacity, thereby giving a maximum total generating capacity for the site of up to 7.5MW. The actual make, model and capacity of the turbines will not be known until the turbine procurement process concludes, should planning consent be granted. The application is for wind turbines of up to 100m tip height, with a rotor blade diameter up to 82m, associated crane hardstanding, new and upgraded access track, substation, temporary construction compounds, underground electricity network and a permanent meteorological mast.

1.2 THE APPLICANT

1.2.1 Nigg Wind Energy Ltd (NWEL) is a subsidiary of West Coast Energy Ltd, which is part of the GDF SUEZ Group.. NWEL has been specifically set up to develop the Hill of Nigg Wind Turbines.

1.2.2 West Coast Energy Ltd is the agent managing the application process on behalf of NWEL.

1.2.3 Established in 1996, across the UK wind energy sector, West Coast Energy has developed a reputation as one of the most successful on- shore wind farm developers, having successfully managed the completion of planning consent for wind farms and extensions, representing around 650 MW of capacity, and has potential sites equating to a further 200 MW at various planning and preparatory stages. West Coast Energy was acquired by GDF Suez in April 2014 with a firm commitment to the development of a range of renewable energy projects across the UK.

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1.3 THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

The EIA Regulations

1.3.1 EIAs have been required for certain major developments since the implementation in the UK of the European Council Directive on Environmental Assessment (85/337/EEC). The Directive was first implemented in the UK in 1988 and subsequently amended by Directive 2011/92/EU (‘The EIA Directive’) on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. Directive 2011/92/EU is implemented in Scotland for developments under 50MW by the Town and Country (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (‘The EIA Regulations’). These regulations set out the information which must be included in the ES, which are covered in detail in Section 2.4. This ES has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 4 of ‘The EIA Regulations’.

Requirement for an EIA

1.3.2 The EIA Regulations sets out the requirements for the provision of information to determine the likely environmental effects of development proposals. Schedule 1 of the EIA Regulations lists large scale or high impact developments which will always require an EIA, whereas Schedule 2 lists developments which may or may not require an EIA depending on the likelihood that the development will have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size or location.

1.3.3 Reference to the EIA Regulations and Circular 3/2011 (Scottish Government, 2011) indicates that the proposed development falls within Schedule 2, Paragraph 3(i) of the EIA Regulations, as it is an “installation for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (windfarm) where (ii) the hub height of any turbine or height of any other structure exceeds 15 metres.”

1.3.4 A Schedule 2 development will require EIA if it is likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of factors such as its size, nature or location. The requirement for a full EIA for a proposed development can be determined via a request to the Local Planning Authority for a screening opinion under Part 2 Regulation 5 of the EIA Regulations. In this case, a screening opinion was not sought since it was assumed that the proposed development would be of a size and nature that may have significant effects and, therefore, require an EIA. Accordingly, the application will be for EIA development and this ES is submitted in support of the planning application. The scope of the ES was determined through consultation with THC and consultees as outlined in Chapter 2.

Purpose of the Environmental Statement

1.3.5 This ES has been submitted to THC as part of an Application for Full Planning Permission and has been prepared to inform THC, statutory consultees and the public about the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed application on the environment. The purpose of the ES is to:

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 Explain the need for the proposals and describe the physical characteristics, scale and design of the wind development;  Examine the existing environmental character of the application site and the area likely to be affected by the wind development;  Predict the possible environmental impacts of the wind development;  Describe measures which would be taken to avoid, offset or reduce adverse environmental impacts;  Identify residual impacts; and,  Provide the public, the planning authority and other consultees with information on the proposals, which would assist the planning authority in the determination of the application.

Appendix 1.1 summarises the mitigation measures proposed within the ES.

1.3.6 The environmental effects and the impact of the proposal have been assessed using a combination of the sensitivity of the environment to change, and the degree of alteration or 'magnitude of change' which is predicted to arise as a result of the development. The significance of these effects is defined in relation to their magnitude, geographical extent, duration, frequency, reversibility and any regulatory standards that might apply. It does not necessarily follow, for example, that a high magnitude change will always be significant; conversely a low magnitude change will not necessarily always be insignificant. Where an assessment of significance cannot be determined (due to lack of information, unpredictable nature of an effect or uncertainty over magnitude of change) this is highlighted and discussed within the text.

1.4 STRUCTURE OF THE DOCUMENTS

1.4.1 The ES for Hill of Nigg Wind Turbines has been prepared in four volumes and the contents are described below:

ES Vol. 1 (this document) - contains the written text of the EIA, including site selection and project description, the planning context, and various technical studies and environmental assessments independently undertaken by experienced consultants.

The structure of Volume 1 is as follows: • Chapter 1 Introduction • Chapter 2 EIA Approach & Consultation • Chapter 3 Site Selection, Alternatives & Project Description • Chapter 4 Need, Benefits & Planning & Energy Policy • Chapter 5 Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment • Chapter 6 Ecology & Ornithology • Chapter 7 Cultural Heritage • Chapter 8 Hydrology, Geology & Hydrogeology • Chapter 9 Noise • Chapter 10 Safety, Infrastructure & Recreational Access • Chapter 11 Traffic, Transport & Access • Chapter 12 Socio-Economics

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ES Vol. 2 contains the Appendices that support the assessments presented in ES Volume 1;

ES Vol. 3 contains the maps and figures that support the assessments presented in Volumes 1 and 2;

NTS The Non-Technical Summary (NTS), is an executive summary of the Environmental Statement (Volumes 1, 2 and 3), summarising the proposed development, its potential environmental effects and proposed mitigation measures.

The ES should also be read in conjunction with the Planning Application form. The application is also supported by a Planning Statement.

1.4.2 A Planning Statement has been prepared to accompany the proposal. The document sets out an assessment of the Proposed Development in the context of the development plan and national planning and energy policy and emerging planning policies. It also considers the potential benefits and harm which may arise and concludes as to the overall acceptability of the proposal in relation to the planning context. This does not form part of the ES.

1.5 THE CONSULTANCY TEAM

1.5.1 In the preparation of this environmental statement, the following consultants were commissioned to undertake the individual environmental impact assessments, and to provide specialist advice in respect of the project design and mitigation measures:  Landscape & Visual Assessment – Horner & Maclennan;  Cultural Heritage – CFA Archaeology Ltd.;  Ecology, Ornithology, Hydrology, Noise and Planning - Atmos Consulting Ltd;  Roads Transportation, Entrance Junction and Access Track Design – URS Ltd;  Socio-economics – Grangeston Economics;  Environmental Statement Compilation - West Coast Energy Ltd.

1.5.2 Copies of the full ES and application documentation can be purchased for £350.00 in hard copy and £10 for CD copy. The Non-Technical Summary is available free of charge, on request. Contact: West Coast Energy Ltd, 36C Longman Drive, Inverness, IV1 1SU, Tel 01463 233842. Email [email protected] . The NTS can also be downloaded from the project website www.hillofniggwind.co.uk .

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Chapter Seven

Cultural Heritage

HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT CHAPTER SEVEN: CULTURAL HERITAGE 7.1 INTRODUCTION

7.1.1 This chapter considers the likely effects on cultural heritage interests of the construction and operation of the proposed wind project. The assessment has been undertaken by CFA Archaeology Ltd, informed by comments and information provided by Historic Scotland and The Highland Council Historic Environment Team.

7.1.2 Figure 7.1 depicts the proposed development layout and the locations of archaeological sites and monuments identified by the study within the proposed development area boundary. A gazetteer of those is provided as Appendix 7.1.

7.1.3 Figure 7.2 shows the proposed wind project in its wider landscape setting together with the zone of theoretical visibility (ZTV) and the locations of cultural heritage receptors within 10km of the proposed development that have a predicted view of the turbines. Appendix 7.2 provides a list of key receptors that have theoretical views of turbines, based on the ZTV, and provides a summary of the predicted indirect visual impacts, on a site by site basis.

7.1.4 Figure 7.3 shows the proposed development, the locations of assets in the wider landscapes and the locations of other wind energy developments in the area that are either operational, consented or at the planning application stages.

7.1.5 The objectives of the cultural heritage study were to:  Identify the cultural heritage baseline within and in the vicinity of the proposed development area;  Assess the proposed development area in terms of its archaeological and historic environment potential;  Consider the potential and predicted effects of the construction and operation of the proposed development on the baseline cultural heritage resource, within the context of relevant legislation and planning policy guideline; and,  Propose measures, where appropriate, to mitigate any predicted significant adverse effects.

7.2 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

National Legislation & Policy

Scottish Historic Environment Policy (2011)

7.2.1 The SHEP sets out Scottish Minister’s policies for the historic environment, and provides policy direction for Historic Scotland and a framework that informs the day to day work of a range of organisations that have a role and interest in managing the historic environment. Through the implementation of the SHEP, Scottish Ministers wish to achieve three outcomes for Scotland’s historic environment:

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 That the historic environment is cared for, protected and enhanced for the benefit of our own and future generations;  To secure greater economic benefits from the historic environment; and  That the people of Scotland and visitors to Scotland value, understand and enjoy the historic environment.

Our Place in Time: The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland (2014)

7.2.2 The Historic Environment Strategy (Scottish Government 2014c) notes that ‘Scotland’s historic environment is intrinsic to our sense of place and strong cultural identity’. The vision of the policy is that ‘Scotland’s historic environment is understood and valued, cared for and protected, enjoyed and enhanced. It is at the heart of a flourishing and sustainable Scotland and will be passed on with pride to benefit future generations’. The strategy sets out three high level aims through which this shared vision will be realised:  Understanding – By investigating and recording our historic environment to continually develop our knowledge, understanding and interpretation of our past and how best to conserve, sustain and present it.  Protecting – By caring for and protecting the historic environment, ensuring that we can both enjoy and benefit from it and conserve and enhance it for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.  Valuing – By sharing and celebrating the richness and significance of our historic environment, enabling us to enjoy the fascinating and inspirational diversity of our heritage.

Scottish Planning Policy (2014)

7.2.3 Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) (Scottish Government 2014b) provides details of the Scottish Government’s policy on nationally important land- use planning matters. SPP states that the planning policy system should:  Promote the care and protection of the designated and non- designated historic environment (including individual assets, related settings and the wider cultural landscape) and its contribution to sense of place, cultural identity, social well-being, economic growth, civic participation and lifelong learning; and  Enable positive change in the historic environment which is informed by a clear understanding of the importance of the heritage assets affected and ensure their future use. Change should be sensitively managed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the fabric and setting of the asset, and ensure that its special characteristics are protected, conserved or enhanced.

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Planning Advice Note (PAN) 2/2011: Planning & Archaeology (2011)

7.2.4 PAN2/2011 advises that, in determining planning applications, planning authorities should take into account the relative importance of archaeological sites (para 5). It also notes that in determining planning applications that may impact on archaeological features or their setting, planning authorities may on occasion have to balance the benefits of development against the importance of archaeological features (para 6). The desirability of preserving a monument (whether scheduled or not) is a material consideration and the objective should be to assure the protection and enhancement of monuments by preservation in situ, in an appropriate setting. When preservation in situ is not possible, recording and / or excavation followed by analysis and publication of the results may be an acceptable alternative (para 14).

Regional Planning Policy

Highland-Wide Local Development Plan (Adopted 5th April 2012)

7.2.5 Policy 28 Sustainable Design states that The Council will support developments which promote and enhance the social, economic and environmental well being of the people of Highland. Proposed developments will be assessed on the extent to which they:  Impact upon a number of resources, including cultural heritage; and,  Demonstrate sensitive siting and high quality design in keeping with local character and the historic and natural environment, including making use of appropriate materials.

7.2.6 Policy 57 Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage states that all development proposals will be assessed taking into account:  The level of importance and type of heritage features;  The form and scale of the development; and,  Any impact on the feature and its setting, in the context of the policy framework as detailed in Appendix 2.

7.2.7 The following criteria will also apply:  For features of local/regional importance developments will be allowed if it can be satisfactorily demonstrated that they will not have an unacceptable impact on the natural environment, amenity and heritage resource.  For features of national importance developments that can be shown not to compromise the natural environment, amenity and heritage resource will be allowed. Where there may be any significant adverse effects, these must be clearly outweighed by social or economic benefits of national importance. It must also be shown that the development will support communities in fragile areas who are having difficulties in keeping their population and services.

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Local Planning Policy

Ross & Cromarty East Local Plan (as continued in force) (April 2012)

7.2.8 The adopted Highland-wide Local Development Plan replaced the Highland Structure Plan (March 2001) (except within the Cairngorms National Park) and updates/supersedes the “general policies” of the existing adopted Local Plans. The elements of the adopted Local Plans which remain in force are included within the Retention Schedule as contained in Appendix 7 of the Highland-wide Local Development Plan.

7.2.9 A limited number of the policies contained in the Ross and Cromarty Local Plan (2007) remain in force. None of those policies is directly relevant to this development.

Other Guidance

Interim Supplementary Guidance: Onshore Wind Energy (Approved by Committee – March 2012)

7.2.10 Policy 67 of the Highland-wide Local Development Plan sets out The Council’s overall policy for renewable energy in the Highlands. The [ISG] guidelines offer advice on assessing the degree and significance of impact where there is likely to be some impact or effect on a feature or interest (ISG, paragraph 2.16). These include Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage.

7.2.11 Paragraph 2.17 requires that reference should be made to Policy 57 of the Highland-wide Local Development Plan. Consideration will be given to the potential impact of development on all the features covered by the policy which includes those indicated by this policy but not mapped and not just those expanded upon in this guidance.

7.2.12 Any proposal must demonstrate [that] it will not compromise the amenity and heritage resource. Where there may be significant adverse effects on nationally important features, these must be clearly outweighed by social or economic benefit of national importance. Policy 57 of the Highland-wide Local Development Plan, its supporting text and Appendix 2 of the Plan provide the full list of feature types that are safeguarded by this policy (ISG, paragraph 2.19).

7.2.13 Historic Environment Assets are defined as those identified in the Highland Historic Environment Record and/or in National listings, schedules or registers held by Historic Scotland or other competent authorities, including: conservation areas; listed buildings; historic gardens and designed landscapes; sites and settings of Scheduled (Ancient) Monuments and other unscheduled assets and areas of archaeological significance. Developers are encouraged to consider The Councils’ standards for Archaeological work and seek early discussions with The Council and other interested agencies regarding national, regional and local archaeological issues.

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Highland Historic Environment Strategy, Interim Supplementary Planning Guidance (Adopted June 2012)

7.2.14 The guidance sets out the Council’s approach to the protection of the historic environment to ensure that there is a pro-active and consistent approach. The Highland Historic Environment Strategy sets out twenty- eight strategic aims; those relevant to this assessment are:  Strategic Aim 2: To ensure that the historic environment is enhanced, protected and promoted and is recognised as the foundation for encouraging high quality and appropriate development to meet the future social and economic needs of the local communities with the Highlands.  Strategic Aim 6: That listed buildings within Highland are protected from harmful developments, including extension and alteration, which may affect their special architectural and historic interest or their setting and that there is a presumption against the demolition of listed buildings.  Strategic Aim 13: That scheduled monuments - and their setting - within Highland are protected from harmful developments which may affect their national importance.  Strategic Aim 14: That all designed landscapes within Highland are protected from harmful developments which may affect their integrity.  Strategic Aim 16: To ensure that the importance of non-designated archaeological sites and landscapes and their settings are understood and wherever possible are protected from harmful developments.  Strategic Aim 17: To ensure no asset or its setting is lost or altered without adequate consideration of its significance and of the means available to preserve, record and interpret it in line with national and local policy and Highland Council’s Standards for Archaeological Work.  Strategic Aim 25: To record, protect, promote and seek improvement for all natural features which make a valuable contribution to the historic environment.  Strategic Aim 26: To ensure that management of the historic environment is based on considered judgement of how best to protect and enhance its importance and value.  Strategic Aim 27: To promote and advocate best practice in heritage protection in the Highlands through the planning process.  Strategic Aim 33: To ensure that proposed new developments have due regard to the archaeological, historical and cultural significance of all aspects of the local environment.

Highland Council Standards for Archaeological Work (Adopted March 2012)

7.2.15 This guidance is intended to set practical standards to ensure a consistent approach to the management of the historic environment in Highland. The Standards are intended for use by all those involved in the planning process and land management - to inform planners and developers of the

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specific requirements of a particular piece of archaeological work and to ensure historic environment practitioners conduct fieldwork to an acceptable and consistent standard. The approved version was adopted in March 2012.

7.2.16 Relevant sections are:  Section 3 (Survey): specifically sections on Desk-based Assessment (para 3.1 - 3.7) and Walkover Survey (para 3.8 - 3.11). The specifications set out in Section 3 have been followed for the acquisition of baseline data presented in the following report using the range of resources set out in the Standards document.  Section 4 (Environmental Statements): para 4.1 - 4.14. The requirements set out in Section 4 are recognised in the following assessment.

7.3 APPROACH TO ASSESSMENT

Consultation 7.3.1 Pre-application consultation was undertaken with Historic Scotland and with Highland Council during the initial design phase for the proposed development. The following table provides a summary of the key points in the responses and describes briefly the actions that have been taken to address the comments. Table 7.1: Consultee Responses Consultee Summary Actions Historic Scotland Concerns that the scheme as Scheme has been redesigned (pre-application proposed (WCE TL02g) (four subsequent to the response, with consultation turbines, 100m to tip) would a reduced number of turbines response dated raise issues of national (from 4 to 3) (TL02i). 04/04/2014) importance in respect of impact on settings of Easter Rarichie, Turbines have been positioned dun 650m S of (4781) and from further away from Easter Rarichie, Easter Rarichie, fort and dun dun 650m S of (4781) and from 600m S of (5215). Easter Rarichie, fort and dun 600m S of (5215). No potential for direct impacts on assets within HS statutory Settings assessment provided in remit. Section 7.7. Impacts on the settings of the following assets to be Photomontages accompanying considered in the ES: assessment on settings of:

Scheduled Monuments Easter Rarichie,dun 650m SW of Easter Rarichie,dun 650m SW (4781) (Figure 7.4) of (Index no. 4781) Easter Rarichie,fort and dun 600m Easter Rarichie,fort and dun S of (5215) (Figure 7.4) 600m S of (Index no. 5215) Clach a' Charridh,cross slab Clach a' Charridh,cross slab (Shandwick Stone) (1674) (Figure (Shandwick Stone) (Index no. 7.5) 1674) Hilton of Cadboll, chapel 500m Hilton of Cadboll, chapel 500m NNW of (90320) (Figure 7.6) NNW of (Index no. 90320 and PiC) The designed layout has resulted in no visibility from Dunskeath Cadboll Castle (Index no. 5697) Castle, North Sutor (Index no.

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Consultee Summary Actions 3319), Nigg Church, Pictish Dunskeath Castle, North Sutor symbol-bearing cross-slab (Index (Index no. 3319) no. 1680) or from Nigg old parish church and graveyard (HB no. Nigg Church, Pictish symbol- 14044) bearing cross-slab (Index no. 1680)

Category A Listed Buildings

Nigg old parish church and graveyard (HB no. 14044) Fearn Abbey (HB no. 7780)

Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL’s)

House of the Geanies

Tarbat House

Balnagown Castle

Cromarty House Highland Council The proposed development is Scheme has been redesigned Historic located within a rich cultural subsequent to the response, with Environment landscape, and the scale of the a reduced number of turbines Team proposal will inevitably impact a (from 4 to 3). (12/05/2014) number of important archaeological sites and historic Turbines have been positioned buildings to a greater or lesser further away from Easter Rarichie, degree. dun 650m S of (4781) and from Easter Rarichie, fort and dun The assessment should include 600m S of (5215). a walkover survey. Settings assessment provided in The assessment will consider Section 7.7. potential impacts to upstanding features and on the potential for Design evolution is set out in buried remains, features and Chapter 3. deposits to be present. Mitigation will be recommended Photomontages accompanying as appropriate. assessment on settings of:

Where indirect impacts are Easter Rarichie,dun 650m SW of predicted, these will be (4781) (Figure 7.4) illustrated using photomontages. Easter Rarichie,fort and dun 600m Mitigation to off-set any S of (5215) (Figure 7.4) predicted impact, including re- design (site layout and turbine Clach a' Charridh,cross slab height) and where appropriate (Shandwick Stone) (1674) (Figure compensatory and/or off-setting 6.4) measures will need to be clearly set out as part of the Hilton of Cadboll, chapel 500m assessment. NNW of (90320) (Figure 7.6) Nigg Awareness Drew attention to the Fortriu The issues raised by NAG are Group (NAG) Project begun in Summer 2013 addressed in Section 7.6. (response to THC by University of Aberdeen and re: eplanning ref Tarbat Discovery Centre. 13/02875/SCOP) Requested that the archaeology assessment be updated to reflect this latest research.

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Data Collection

7.3.2 This assessment was conducted in accordance with the Institute for Archaeologists ‘Code of Conduct’ (IfA 2012) and ‘Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment’ (IfA 2014).

7.3.3 Details of the locations and extents of Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Inventory Gardens and Designed Landscapes and Inventory Historic Battlefields in GIS were downloaded from the Historic Scotland Spatial Data Warehouse (HS, 2014).

7.3.4 Information on the character and condition of known archaeological sites and monuments within the proposed development area was obtained from the Highland Council historic Environment Records (HER).

7.3.5 Ordnance Survey maps and other historical maps held by the Map Library of the National Library of Scotland were examined, to provide information on sites of potential archaeological significance and on historic land-use development.

7.3.6 An assessment was made of vertical aerial photograph collections held by RCAHMS. Aerial survey sorties dating from 1946 and 1970 were examined. In addition, modern aerial photographic imagery available on- line (GoogleTM and BingTM) was examined.

7.3.7 Bibliographic references and on-line historical research resources were consulted to provide background and historical information.

7.3.8 The online Historic Land-Use Assessment Data for Scotland (HLAMap, RCAHMS 2014), maintained by the RCAHMS, was consulted for information on the historic land use character of the site.

7.3.9 The Scottish Palaeoecological Archive Database (SPAD, Coles et al, 1998) records the distribution of known sites across Scotland was consulted for information on sites with palaeoenvironmental potential.

7.3.10 A reconnaissance field survey for an earlier application development area was undertaken in 2007. That field survey covered the whole of the current proposed development area and the results of that survey are considered to remain valid. The survey work was undertaken in order to:  Assess the information obtained through desk-based assessment;  Identify the extent and condition of any visible archaeological and/or historical sites, monuments and features, and,  Assess the topography and geomorphology of the proposed development area for its potential to contain buried remains of other archaeological sites and features.

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7.4 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

Assessing Importance of Heritage Assets

7.4.1 The assessment of importance of archaeological and heritage assets reflects the relative weight which statute and policy attach to them, principally as published in SPP (Scottish Government, 2011b) and SHEP (Scottish Government, 2011a). Table 7.2: Summarises the Relative Importance of Cultural Heritage Assets.

Table 7.2: Importance of Cultural Heritage Assets Importance Definition National/International Assets of national or international importance, including: World Heritage Sites; Scheduled Monuments, and sites proposed for scheduling; Category A Listed Buildings; Inventory Gardens and Designed Landscapes (GDL); and, Inventory Historic Battlefields. Regional Assets of regional importance, including: Archaeological sites and area of regional importance; Category B Listed Buildings; and, Conservation Areas.

Local Assets of local importance, including: Archaeological sites of local importance; Category C Listed Buildings1; and, Unlisted historic buildings and townscapes with particular local (vernacular) characteristics. Lesser Assets of less than local importance, including: Sites of former archaeological features; Unlisted buildings of little historic or architectural interest; and Poorly preserved examples of particular types of feature.

Assessment of Construction (Direct Impacts)

Criteria for Assessing Magnitude of Construction (Direct) Impacts

7.4.2 Criteria for assessing the magnitude of an impact, which measures the degree of change to the baseline condition of the heritage asset that could result from the construction of one or more elements of the proposed wind farm, are presented in Table 7.3.

Table: 7.3: Magnitude of Construction Impacts Level of Magnitude Definition High A fundamental change to the baseline condition of the heritage asset, leading to total or major alteration of character. Medium A material, partial loss or alteration of character. Low A slight, detectable, alteration of the baseline condition of the asset. Imperceptible A barely distinguishable change from baseline conditions.

1 Although listed here as of local importance, Category C Listed Buildings have statutory protection under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 (1997 Act) (HM Government, 1997). In this context, planning authorities and Scottish ministers are required to have special regard for the desirability of preserving Listed Buildings and their settings and any features of special architectural or historic importance they possess.

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Criteria for Assessing Significance of Construction (Direct) Impacts

7.4.3 The importance of the asset defined in Table 7.2 and the magnitude of the predicted impact (Table 7.3) are used to inform the professional judgement of the likely significance of the direct impact. Table 7.4 summarises the criteria for assessing the significance of a direct impact.

Table: 7.4: Significance of Construction Impacts Magnitude Importance of Asset ► of Impact ▼ National/International Regional Local Lesser High Major Major Moderate Minor Medium Major Moderate Minor Negligible Low Moderate Minor Negligible Negligible Imperceptible Minor Negligible Negligible Negligible

7.4.4 Major and moderate impacts are considered to be ‘significant’ in the context of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (EIA Regulations) (Scottish Government, 2011c). For EIA purposes minor and negligible impacts are not significant in EIA terms.

Assessment of Impacts on Setting (Operational Impacts)

7.4.5 HS’s guidance document, Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Setting (Historic Scotland, 2010), notes that “setting should be thought of as the way in which the surroundings of a historic asset or place contribute to how it is experienced, understood and appreciated. Setting often extends beyond the immediate property boundary of a historic structure into the broader landscape”. The guidance also suggests that if a proposed wind farm is likely to affect the setting of a cultural heritage asset, an objective, written assessment should be prepared by the applicant to inform the decision-making process. The conclusions drawn should take into account the significance of the historic asset and its setting and attempt to quantify the extent of any detrimental impact. The methodology and level of information should be tailored to the circumstances of each case.

For each asset where a potential impact on setting has been identified, the assessment of possible impacts should adopt a four-stage approach:  Identification of the characteristics of the setting of the asset;  Assessment of the sensitivity of that setting;  Identification of how the presence of the proposed wind farm will affect that setting (magnitude of impact);  Assessment of significance of impact.

Criteria for Assessing Sensitivity of Setting

7.4.6 The sensitivity of setting was assessed by considering two factors:  The relative weight which statute and policy attach to the asset and its setting;  The degree to which the baseline setting contributes to the understanding and/or appreciation, and hence value, of the asset.

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7.4.7 The importance of cultural heritage assets was determined using the relative weight that statute and policy attach to the asset and its setting, as shown in Table 7.2.

7.4.8 The degree to which the baseline setting contributes to the understanding and/or appreciation of the asset was assessed according to the criteria set out in Table 7.5.

Table: 7.5: Contribution of Setting Contribution Definition High A setting which makes a strong positive contribution to the understanding and/or appreciation of the siting and/or historical/archaeological/architectural context of an asset; e.g. a prominent topographic location; surroundings that include related monuments in close association; surroundings that are believed to be little changed from those when the asset was created. Medium A setting which makes some positive contribution to the understanding and/or appreciation of the siting and/or historical/archaeological/architectural context of an asset; e.g. surroundings that complement the siting and appearance of an asset such as the presence of a feature of the rural past within a more recent farming landscape containing little or no urban or industrial development. Low A setting which makes little positive contribution to the understanding and/or appreciation of the siting and/or historical/archaeological/architectural context of an asset.; e.g. where surroundings only partially complement the siting and appearance of an asset, such as the presence of a feature of the rural past within a partly urbanised or industrialised landscape. Negligible A setting which does not contribute positively to the understanding and/or appreciation of the siting and/or historical/archaeological/architectural context of an asset; e.g. immediate surroundings, such as a commercial coniferous single species woodland or an industrial development, that are not relevant to understanding the context of the asset.

7.4.9 These two sets of criteria (Tables 7.2 and 7.5) are combined to assess the overall sensitivity of a setting, as laid out in Table 7.6.

Table 7.6: Sensitivity of Setting Importance of Contribution of Setting ► Asset ▼ High Moderate Low Negligible National/International High High Medium Low Regional High Medium Low Low Local Medium Low Low Low

7.4.10 Where it has been determined that the setting of an asset is such that there is no potential for it to be impacted by the presence of the proposed wind project (including all assets of negligible importance), the asset is not considered further in the assessment.

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Criteria for Assessing Magnitude of Impacts on Setting

7.4.11 The magnitude of impact on setting was assessed according to the thresholds set out in Table 7.7.

Table 7.7: Magnitude of Impact Magnitude Definition High A fundamental material impact obviously changing the surroundings of an asset, such that its baseline is substantially or totally altered. Medium An impact discernibly changing the surroundings of an asset, such that its baseline setting is partly and materially altered. Low A slight, but detectable, impact that does not materially alter the baseline setting of the asset. Imperceptible A very slight and barely distinguishable change from baseline conditions.

Criteria for Assessing Significance of Impacts on Setting

7.4.12 The significance of an impact on setting depends on both the magnitude of impact and the sensitivity of the setting of the receptor. Table 7.8 presents the matrix that was used to assess the significance of impacts on setting.

Table: 7.8: Significance of Impact on Setting Magnitude of Sensitivity of Setting ► Impact ▼ High Medium Low High Major Major Minor Medium Major Moderate Minor Low Minor Minor Negligible Imperceptible Negligible Negligible Negligible

7.4.13 Major or moderate impacts are deemed to be significant in the context of the EIA Regulations (Scottish Government, 2011c). Minor and negligible impacts are not significant in EIA terms.

Cumulative Assessment

7.4.14 The assessment of cumulative impacts on cultural heritage was based upon consideration of the impacts of the proposed wind project on the settings of assets with statutory and non-statutory designations within 10km of the proposed wind farm, in addition to the likely impacts of other operational, consented and proposed wind farm developments (at the application stage) in the wider landscape (Figure 5.49). The criteria adopted above (see Tables 7.4 to 7.8) in respect of impacts on setting were employed to determine the magnitude and significance of the predicted cumulative impacts.

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7.5 BASELINE CONDITIONS

Sites Within the Proposed Development Area

7.5.1 Three features of historic environment interest (1-3) have been identified within the proposed development area (Figure 7.1). Appendix 7.1 provides tabulated gazetteer information on the character and baseline condition of these features.

7.5.2 Two mill ponds and an associated lade (1), depicted on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition (1881) and 2nd Edition (1907) maps, are of post- medieval date. There is no surviving visible evidence of the southern mill pond, as an oil pipeline has been laid through it, and the northern pond has been infilled with farm debris. The lade survives as a ditch, revetted with a stone wall on both sides, which has collapsed in places, and which still carries water from the hill down to Wester Rarichie and beyond. The mill ponds and lade were part of a wider network of lades and ponds serving a corn mill that formerly lay to the north Wester Rariche. The remains are in a poor state of preservation and are of no more than local heritage importance.

7.5.3 Two historic tracks (2 and 3) are minor landscape features relating to farming activities. One track (1) is depicted on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map (1881) running from the public road, through a group of farm cottages, and on to the higher ground of Nigg Hill. This track (9) has been largely replaced where it passes through the proposed development area by a modern farm track. A second, short length of track (3) was identified during the field survey as a grassy terrace winding up a hill slope. This is most probably the remnant of a former informal farm track. Neither of the tracks is of more than lesser heritage importance.

Historic Landscape Character

7.5.4 The historic environment features identified by this study within the proposed development area are related exclusively to farming practices of post-medieval date. However, the Tarbat peninsula more widely has an extensive history of occupation. The Highland HER contains records of numerous sites in the area immediately surrounding of the proposed development area which range in date from the prehistoric period up to the recent past.

7.5.5 Late prehistoric activity in the vicinity of Hill of Nigg is represented by two scheduled monuments (Figure 7-1, 4781 and 5215), both of which are defended settlement sites of probable Iron Age date. Earlier prehistoric sites include shell middens c.4km to the south near North Sutor, a standing stone and possible standing stone c.3km to the west in Nigg Churchyard, a possible barrow c.3km to the south-west at Pitcalzean, and several Bronze Age cist burials at Balintore and Shandwick for example.

7.5.6 The Tarbat peninsular has a special place in archaeological research into the history of the Pictish kingdoms and the establishment of an early Christian monastic community. Between 1994 and 2007 excavations at Portmahomack at the north end of the Tarbat peninsula, led by Martin Carver of the University of York in collaboration with the Tarbat Discovery

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Centre, provided insight into a monastic community that flourished between the 6th and 10th centuries AD (Carver, M. undated). The results of the excavations have been reported in a series of bulletins (1995-2001) and three Data Structure Reports (2004-2006) (Tarbat Discovery Programme website). The work has led to the development of research into the formation of a Pictish kingdom, the role of Christian conversion, monasticism, and the place of iconography, in the form of the Pictish sculptures, found in abundance on Tarbat: at Nigg, Shandwick, Hilton of Cadboll and Portmahomack (Carver, M. undated). The Pictish presence is also evident in the number of ‘Pit’ placenames; a prefix commonly held to be of Pictish origin. Pictish stones are also a common feature in Tarbat, the best preserved being the Shandwick Stone and the Hilton of Cadboll stone (now in the National museum of Scotland).

7.5.7 Most recently, the Tarbat peninsula has become the focus of research attention from the University of Aberdeen (UoA), with a project directed at the emergence of a Pictish Kingdom (Fortriu) in this area. This project – ‘Pathways to Power: Rise of the Early Medieval Kingdoms of the North - New Approaches to the Emergence of a Powerful Pictish Kingdom’ – is being carried out in collaboration with the Tarbat Discovery Centre. Research work to date (carried out in 2013) has established that the dun site (4781) was constructed and occupied between 700 and 400 BC. Work at the fort and dun (5718) has established that it was built and occupied between 400 and 100 BC. Although this house evidently post-dates the Easter Rarichie dun (4781) described above, the researchers also found evidence to suggest that there was earlier occupation within the fort and that there may well have been a degree of contemporary occupation of the two sites; with the fort/dun site later being consolidated as the principal occupation site, perhaps a local power centre.

7.5.8 Previously recorded sites of medieval and later date include the medieval motte at Dunskeath Castle, the medieval castles at Miltown and at Shandwick, and numerous medieval and post-medieval farmsteads throughout the peninsula.

7.5.9 The most recent archaeological remains are those of the 20th century (WWII) military defence installations around North Sutor and along the coastline of Nigg Bay and the airfield at Fearn.

Archaeological Potential of the Proposed Development Area

7.5.10 The proposed development area (Figure 7.1) occupies an area of ground extending from the public road at Wester Rariche at around 30m AOD southwards onto the higher ground at around 170m on the north slopes of Hill of Nigg. The current land use is predominantly pasture grassland and rough grazing with some gorse and scrub woodland at higher levels. Evidence from historic map sources suggests that this area has not been intensively farmed or settled in the past. Roy’s map of 1747-55 depicts a barren hill with cultivation on the lower ground around the base of the hill to the north and west, at Wester and Easter Rarichie (named as ‘Wr Rariky’ and ‘Er Rariky’ respectively). A similar pattern of agricultural land- use at lower levels is depicted on the Ordnance Survey 1st (1881) and 2nd (1907) Edition maps with the higher ground (above 80m) being depicted as rough heathland and scrub woodland.

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7.5.11 The number, distribution and condition of sites identified within the proposed development area and the available evidence on historic and current land use suggest that the potential of, as yet undetected, buried remains of medieval or earlier archaeological sites surviving within the proposed development area boundary is likely to be moderate.

Key Assets Within 10km of the Proposed Development Area

7.5.12 Within 10km of the proposed development there are nine scheduled monuments from the locations of which there would be theoretical visibility of the proposed wind turbines, based on the blade tip height ZTV. There are also three Listed Buildings of Category A and 32 of Category B (one of which, Cadboll Castle (7797), is also a Scheduled Monument) from which the proposed wind turbines would theoretically be visibility. In addition, there are four Inventory Status Gardens and Designed Landscapes and one Conservation Area within 10km from which there would be theoretical visibility of the proposed development. The locations of these assets are shown on Figure 7.2 and they are listed in Appendix 7.2.

7.5.13 There are 16 Listed Buildings of Category C within the 10km study area but these are mostly houses, cottages and other buildings or minor architectural structures with localised settings for which long distance views from and to do not constitute an important component of the asset’s heritage importance. Category C Listed Buildings beyond 5km are therefore excluded from the assessment. Within 5km of the proposed development there are two Category C Listed Buildings from which there would be a theoretical view of the proposed wind turbines. These too are shown on Figure 7.2 and they are included in Appendix 7.2.

7.6 EFFECTS & MITIGATION

Direct Effects Within the Proposed Development Area

7.6.1 Two farming related features of post medieval date (1 and 2) are predicted to receive direct effects from the proposed development.

Mill Pond & Lade System (1)

7.6.2 The proposed access road will partly overlie the remains of mill pond and lade system (1) which lies alongside the existing farm track to the southwest of Wester Rarichie Farm Cottages (Figure 7.1). Field survey found no trace of the northern mill pond, the area having been disturbed by the laying of a gas pipeline across it. There was also no visible trace of the southern mill pond, this area having been used as a dump for farm rubbish. The 1m wide mill lade was found lined with a stone wall on either side. Although not well-preserved, the remains are, as a relic of a water management system associated with post medieval farming practices, of local heritage importance.

7.6.3 Widening of the existing track and the creation of an enlarged entrance gateway at the public road would directly affect surviving remains of the mill lade and ponds. The impact would be of medium magnitude leading to a material, partial loss and alteration of the baseline character of the

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remains. The resulting impact would be of minor significance; that is, not significant in EIA terms.

Track (2)

7.6.4 The proposed access road will cross and then partly follow the recorded alignment of a track (2) shown on the Ordnance Survey (1881) map which has in part been upgraded and is in use as a modern farm track (Figure 7.1). The track is a minor feature of the historic faming landscape and is of lesser heritage importance.

7.6.5 The predicted impact on the track would be of low magnitude, affecting only a short section of the overall length, and the impact would be of negligible significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Buried Archaeology

7.6.6 In addition to site-specific predictions above, ground-disturbing excavations associated with the proposed development could have an adverse effect on any unrecorded, buried archaeological remains present in those areas. Baseline information suggests that the area that would be affected by the development work has a moderate archaeological potential. Taking account of the limited extent of the proposed ground disturbance generated by the construction of the proposed development, it is assessed that there would be a low likelihood of encountering buried archaeological remains. The possibility of new discoveries cannot, however, be discounted entirely.

Indirect Effects

7.6.7 Effects on the settings of cultural heritage assets have been assessed using the criteria detailed above in Section 7.5 (paragraphs 7.4.5 to 7.4.13, and Tables 7.2 and 7.5 – 7.7).

7.6.8 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas, and Inventory Gardens and Designed Landscapes up to 10km from the application area are assessed. Assessment of the settings of Category C Listed Buildings is limited to those within 5km of the nearest proposed wind turbine. A list of cultural heritage receptors within 10km of the proposed development and predicted by the ZTV to have views of one or more turbines are presented in Appendix 7.2 which also provides a summarised assessment of the predicted effects on a site-by-site basis. Where Historic Scotland or The Highland Council Historic Environment Team have requested that a specific asset be assessed, it is discussed below.

7.6.9 The assessment of magnitude of effects has been based on analysis of the blade tip ZTV, taking into account the distance of the assessed asset from the proposed wind farm and the number of turbine blade tips theoretically visible. The ZTV model is, however, a coarse predictive tool based on bare-earth surface topography and maximum blade-tip heights. It takes no account of obstructions to intervisibility caused by existing forestry and other vegetation or buildings and other man-made features.

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The degree of visibility predicted is therefore a worst-case scenario and, in practice, screening of potential visibility will in some cases reduce the visual impact.

7.6.10 There would be no visibility from three of the assets identified by Historic Scotland: Dunskeath Castle, North Sutor (Index no. 3319); Nigg Church, Pictish symbol-bearing cross-slab (Index no. 1680); and Nigg old parish church and graveyard (HB no. 14044). These assets are, therefore, not considered further.

7.6.11 Photomontages have been provided to illustrate the predicted effects on Easter Rarichie, dun 650m SW of (4781) and Easter Rarichie, fort and dun 600m S of (5215) (Figure 7.4), on the Chapel at Hilton of Cadboll (90320) (Figure 7.5), and on the Shandwick Stone (1674) (Figure 7.6). In addition several of the LVIA viewpoint photomontages provide useful context. Where these are helpful to the assessment they are cross-referenced in the text and in Appendix 7.2.

Easter Rarichie, dun 650m SW of (4781)

7.6.12 The remains of Easter Rarichie dun (4781) lie 800m to the north of the nearest proposed turbine (T3), on top of a prominent knoll in a pasture field c.600m to the south-west of Easter Rarichie Farm. The circular remains measure 20m diameter overall and consist of a turf-covered rubble wall spread to an average of 5m wide (giving an internal diameter of approximately 10m). There is a mutilated entrance gap in east. This site is one of several known duns in this area. Duns are classified as being domestic structures ‘a building or settlement enclosure with a thick drystone wall, generally circular or oval in plan, usually sited in an elevated position’ (RCAHMS Monument Thesaurus) and from the description and morphology it is probable that the remains are those of a late Iron Age roundhouse of massive wall construction. The dun’s prominent position, set atop a low but distinct knoll suggests that it was set where it is in order to be visually prominent within its surroundings. This observation is supported by the recent work undertaken by UoA.

7.6.13 The principal views from the dun are to the east (towards coast and Shandwick Bay from the entrance), and to the north and west over low farmland. There are also clear views towards, and an evident physical association with, the scheduled fort and dun (5215), located 275m to the west. To the south of the dun, across a now dry valley, the ground rises up towards the Hill of Nigg, which blocks views from the dun towards the sea and which provides some shelter from the prevailing wind direction. The sheltered location, the open views to the north and the close association with the nearby fort and dun and the valley to the south suggest that these are the key characteristic relationships that define the dun’s setting. From the dun a group of three wind turbines is visible to the north at Fearne Farm with a further turbine consented at Cullisse Farmhouse. To the west a single turbine stands on farmland at Strath of Pitcalnie.

NIGG WIND ENERGY LTD CULTURAL HERITAGE Page 7 - 17 HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT 7.6.14 The ZTV and the photomontage (Figure 7.4 CH VP 1) provided show that all three wind turbines would be visible in views of the dun from the north and in views southwards from the dun. In these views, the turbines would lie beyond the rising ground immediately to the south and would be partly screened by the topography. The hubs and blades would be visible along the skyline in a narrow arc of view. The proposed wind farm would not be visible in the views from the dun to the east, north or west (in particular the view towards Shandwick Bay) and the proposed development would not affect the visual link with the nearby fort and dun (5215). The proposed development would therefore neither interrupt nor obscure key relationships between the two monuments or obstruct key views over the lower lying landscape views towards Shandwick Bay.

7.6.15 Taking into account the current setting of the dun and the prevailing important views both to and from the monument, the overall predicted effect of the proposed development on its setting is assessed as being of low magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Easter Rarichie, fort & dun 600m S of (5215)

7.6.16 The fort and dun (5215) lies 800m to the north-east of the nearest proposed turbine (T3), in a pasture field c.600m to the south of Easter Rarichie Farm. The surviving remains include three ruinous walls and two outer ramparts crowning a prominent knoll, with a later circular structure dun, overlying the fort. The dun is 17.5m in diameter overall and consists of a circular turf-covered wall c3.5m thick, with an entrance in southeast. The dun interior is therefore approximately 10.5m in diameter and, like the dun to the west, the remains are likely to be those of a late Iron Age roundhouse of massive wall construction. The fort and dun’s prominent position, set atop a distinct knoll suggests that it was set where it is in order to be visually prominent within its surroundings. As with the dun described above, this observation is supported by recent work undertaken by UoA.

7.6.17 The setting of the fort and dun also shares the characteristics of the dun as described above; that is, that the principal views are to the east (towards the coast and Shandwick Bay), and to the north and west over low farmland. There are also clear views towards, and an evident physical association with, the scheduled dun (4781), 275m to the east. To the south of the fort, across a now dry valley, the ground rises up towards the Hill of Nigg, which blocks views from the dun towards the sea and which provides some shelter from the wind. The sheltered location, the open views to the north and the close association with the nearby dun and the valley to the south suggest that these are the key characteristic relationships that define the fort’s setting. From the fort and dun a group of three wind turbines is visible to the north at Fearn Farm with a further turbine consented at Cullisse Farmhouse. To the west a single turbine stands on farmland at Strath of Pitcalnie.

7.6.18 The ZTV and the photomontage (Figure 7.4 CH VP 1) provided show that all three wind turbines would be visible in views of the fort and dun from the north and in views southwards from the fort and dun. In these views, the turbines would lie beyond the rising ground immediately to the south and would be partly screened by the topography. The hubs and blades would be visible along the skyline in a narrow arc of view. The proposed

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wind farm would not be visible in the views from the fort and dun to the east, north or west (in particular the view towards Shandwick Bay) and the proposed development would not affect the visual link with the nearby dun (4781). The proposed development would therefore neither interrupt nor obscure key relationships between the two monuments or obstruct key views over the lower lying landscape views towards Shandwick Bay.

7.6.19 Taking into account the current setting of the fort and dun and the prevailing important views both to and from the monument, the overall predicted effect of the proposed development on its setting is assessed as being of low magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Chapel 500m NNW of Hilton of Cadboll (90320)

7.6.20 The remains of the Early Christian chapel stand within an enclosure on a raised beach close to the coast 5.2km to the north-east of the proposed development. The chapel measures 12m east-west by 6.5m wide but all that now survives are the turf-covered wall footings. No entrance is evident but attached to west end wall is a semi-circular enclosure which probably housed the Pictish "Cadboll Stone”. The main part of the original (9th century) stone is now displayed in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and the lower part at the community hall in Balintore. A replica of the whole stone was erected at the chapel site in 2000 and the site is a Property in Care of the Scottish Ministers. It is thought that the flat area beside the chapel may be the site of the deserted medieval village of Catboll-Fisher (HS 2014).

7.6.21 The current setting of the chapel includes the enclosure in which it is located, the raised beach on which it stands and the remains of the former medieval village (now no longer visible). The principal views from the chapel are to the east towards the sea and along the coast to the south, incorporating views of and a close association with the settlements of Hilton of Cadboll and Balintore. There is also a probable association with much later Cadboll Castle to the northeast.

7.6.22 Views towards the proposed wind farm to the southwest are largely screened by the natural topography and by buildings within Hilton of Cadboll. Turbine blades would be visible in the distance in a narrow arc of view above the roofline (Figure 7.5 CH VP3). The proposed development would appear as a new feature in the distant landscape when seen from the chapel but would not be visually dominating in relation to the visible remains on the ground.

7.6.23 Taking into account the current setting of the chapel remains to the north- east edge of modern housing at Hilton, the predicted effect of the proposed development on its setting is assessed as being of low magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Clach a-charridh (Shandwick Stone) (1674)

7.6.24 This Pictish cross slab stands 2.5km to the north of the proposed development within a glass case on an east facing hillslope above the village of Shandwick. The stone is a Class II upright rectangular Pictish cross-slab 2.7m high by 1m wide with sculptured relief on two faces. The

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east face bears a cross, decorated with spiral work, against a background of angels, beast and panels of interlace. On the reverse (west face) it bears a double-disc, a Pictish ‘beast’, a hunting scene, and panels of spiral-work and interlace. The cross-slab is accessed from the public road to the west by a purpose made path.

7.6.25 The current setting of the stone is within open farmland adjacent to the minor public road into Shandwick, from which the stone is accessed. From the stone, there are commanding views over Shandwick Bay and the sea to the east and open views inland to the north. Views to the south and south-west are more constrained by rising ground in the near distance.

7.6.26 Views towards the proposed wind farm to the southwest are of a largely open aspect and the three turbines would be visible from this location in a narrow arc of view on the skyline formed by Hill of Nigg (Figure 7.6 CH VP2). The proposed development would appear as a new feature in the landscape in the south-west but would not affect views from the monument in the key view directions to the north-east and east over Shandwick Bay. The proposed development would not be visible in the same view as the monument when approaching along the public path from the road or when travelling along the road either north or south.

7.6.27 Taking into account the current setting of the Shandwick Stone and the key views of and from it, the overall predicted effect of the proposed development on its setting is assessed as being of low magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Cadboll Castle (5697)

7.6.28 Cadboll Castle is a Scheduled Monument and Category B Listed Building. The now ruinous 16th century castle stands directly to the west of the 18th century Cadboll House, 6.2km to the north-east of the proposed development.

7.6.29 The current setting includes Cadboll House and gardens and the associated farm buildings that adjoin it. The castle is enclosed within the GDL and views out south westwards are constrained by the shelterbelt along the south-west boundary and by other buildings within the GDL.

7.6.30 While the ZTV indicates that all three turbines would be visible in a small arc of view in the distant landscape to the south-west, an on-site analysis reveals that views are restricted by the mature trees surrounding Cadboll House.

7.6.31 Taking into account the current setting of the castle, the predicted effect of the proposed development on its setting is assessed as being of imperceptible magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Fearn Abbey (7780)

7.6.32 Fearn Abbey was built on the present site around 1238 AD. The church is a simple oblong structure, and part of it is still used as the parish church. The Abbey has been much patched and altered over the years and all traces of the former domestic buildings and cloister have now gone.

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7.6.33 The Abbey remains stand within a historic churchyard in open rural, farmland setting close to the B9165 with a group of 19th century farm buildings and modern farm sheds close by. The Category B Listed former manse (7781), which is now divided into three dwellings, lies to the south of the Abbey. 7.6.34 The proposed wind farm would be visible from the Abbey, to the south with the nearest turbine being 4.4km distant. The existing wind turbines at Fearn Farm and a consented turbine at Cullisse Farmhouse lie in this arc of view already and at much closer distances. The proposed development would be visible beyond the modern farm sheds and the existing and consented turbines when viewed from the B9165 but they would be offset from the view of the Abbey from that location.

7.6.35 The proposed development would appear as a new feature in the distant landscape in the south (see for example LVIA vp13 Hill of Fearn) but would not affect views from the monument in other direction and would not interrupt or obscure views of the Abbey from the wider landscape. The proposed development would not be visible in the same view as the monument when approaching along the public path from the road or when travelling along the road either north or south.

7.6.36 Taking into account the current setting of the Abbey and the closer proximity of existing and consented wind turbines, the predicted effect of the proposed development on its setting is assessed as being of low magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

House of the Geanies IGDL

7.6.37 The House of the Geanies designed landscape provides an important and impressive setting for the 18th century house (14105). The Geanies has high historical value in view of its influence on the agricultural landscape of the area in the 18th & 19th centuries. The woodlands of the designed landscape make an important contribution to the scenery of the surrounding area.

7.6.38 The proposed wind farm would be theoretically visible from the GDL, to the south-west beyond Hilton of Cadboll and Balintore with the nearest turbine being 8km from the south-west edge of the GDL. However, rising topography to the south-west of the GDL and woodland shelterbelts along the south-west boundary provide considerable screening of views in this direction. The main view from the house is south-eastwards towards the coastline and the Moray Firth and these views would be unaffected by the proposed development.

7.6.39 The visual impact of the proposed development on House of Geanies GDL would be of imperceptible magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Tarbat House IGDL

7.6.40 Tarbat House GDL is an informal designed landscape incorporating features surviving from a baroque landscape established in or by the 17th century. Tarbat has been the principal seat of the Earls of Cromartie for four centuries and the GDL currently forms the setting for Tarbat House

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(7848), a fine classical mansion and Category A Listed. The GDL is integral to the landscape character at Milton and an important landscape component as seen from Cromarty and the north shores of the Black Isle.

7.6.41 The proposed wind farm would be theoretically visible from the GDL, to the east and across Nigg Bay with the nearest turbine being 5.9km from the easternmost edge of the GDL (see for example LVIA vp6 Balnagowan). However, woodland blocks and shelterbelts within the GDL provide considerable screening of views towards Hill of Nigg, including from the main house. In addition, there are no obvious designed views or vistas that directly align with the proposed development site on Hill of Nigg; the main designed view from the House is aligned on South Sutor.

7.6.42 The visual impact of the proposed development on Tarbat GDL would be of imperceptible magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Balnagown Castle IGDL

7.6.43 Balnagowan GDL is a late 17th century formal designed landscape that was completely redesigned in the mid-19th century in the ‘Picturesque’ style with parks and policy woodlands and formal gardens around the Castle. It provides the setting for several B listed Architectural features, including Balnagowan Castle, and it has long associations with the Clan Ross. The main views from the Castle are north-westwards along the wooded valley of the Balnagown River and south-west across the parks to the Firth beyond.

7.6.44 The proposed wind farm would be theoretically visible from the GDL, to the east beyond Tarbat GDL and Nigg Bay with the nearest turbine being 7.4km from the easternmost edge of the GDL (see for example LVIA vp6 Balnagowan). However, woodland blocks and shelterbelts within the GDL provide considerable screening of views towards Hill of Nigg, including from the main house. In addition, there are no obvious designed views or vistas that directly align with the proposed development site on Hill of Nigg; the main designed view from the House is aligned on South Sutor.

7.6.45 The visual impact of the proposed development on Balnagown Castle GDL would be of imperceptible magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Cromarty House IGDL

7.6.46 Cromarty House GDL is an informal 19th century designed landscape, incorporating features surviving from earlier formal landscapes. It lies on the lower, north-facing slopes of Gallow Hill, to the south of Cromarty town and the policies of Cromarty House are historically important in terms of the settlement history and landscape setting of Cromarty. The designed landscape provides the setting for the classical house (listed category A), stables and other structures and makes an important contribution to the setting of the village of Cromarty, the North and South Sutors and to the landscape character of the Black Isle.

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7.6.47 Two turbine tips of the proposed wind farm would be visible from the GDL, to the northeast beyond the North Sutor with the nearest turbine being 6.8km from the northernmost edge of the GDL. Visibility would be limited to locations along the elevated south-western part of the GDL, around Cromarty Mains Farmhouse (1821), and the proposed development would not be visible from the main part of the GDL or from the main house. The view over the GDL from this area is limited by woodland belts within the policies and the Nigg Oil Terminal and Energy Park at Balnapaling are an obvious visual feature of the North Sutor coastline in these views.

7.6.48 The visual impact of the proposed development on Cromarty GDL would be of imperceptible magnitude and of minor significance; not significant in EIA terms.

Cumulative Impact Assessment

7.6.49 Figure 7.3 shows the proposed development, the location of key cultural heritage assets within 10km from which there would be theoretical views of the proposed development and the location of other wind energy developments within 10km (other than any at the scoping stage) surrounding the Development. The distribution of all other wind farms (operational, consented, application and proposed) in the wider landscape, up to 30km from the proposed development, is shown on Figure 5.49. From Figure 7.3 it can be seen that other than operational or consented turbines there are no other wind energy developments within the 10km study area.

7.6.50 The consented Coire na Clioch Wind Farm (13x 99.5m tip) lies more than 25km to the west of the proposed development and in combination with the proposed development would exert an imperceptible magnitude of impact on the settings of the heritage assets considered by this assessment; it is therefore excluded from the cumulative assessment.

7.6.51 For the purposes of the assessment, operational wind energy developments (Fearn Farm (2x 27.1m tip) and Strath of Pitcalnie (1x 19m tip)) are taken as part of baseline. The cumulative assessment therefore considers the additional impact of the proposed development with the consented developments at Inver (1x 17.8m tip), Baladie (1x 49m tip), Cullisse Farmhouse (1x 66.5m tip), West of Navity (3x 27m tip), Aldie House (2x 27.1m tip) and, Knockgarty (2 x 48.4m tip).

7.6.52 Where visible from assessed heritage assets, the operational cumulative developments appear on the visualisations provided.

7.6.53 The consented single turbine developments at Inver and Baladie lie to the north-east of the proposed development and well beyond 5km distant. The consented single turbine at Cullisse Farmhouse and two turbines at Aldie House both lie to the north-north-west of the proposed development; Cullise Farmhouse being the closest at around 3km distant, while Aldie House is almost 10km distant. The consented two turbines at Knockgarty Farm lies almost 10km to the west of the proposed development beyond Tarbat House and Balnagown Castle, and three consented turbines at west Navity Cottages are almost 10km to the south-west beyond the Sutors and Cromarty.

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7.6.54 In the majority of cases the cumulative impact of the addition of the proposed development to the baseline would not materially affect the settings of any of the heritage assets within the study area. In the case of Easter Rarichie, fort and dun 600m S of (5215) and Easter Rarichie, dun 650m SW of (4781) there would be a cumulative impact as varying sizes of wind turbines would be visible in the views from the two monuments in an arc from south-west to north-east at varying distances. The principal view from the two monuments to the northeast, towards Shandwick Bay would be unaffected, however. It would still be possible to both appreciate and understand the monuments’ relationships with their surroundings and with each other. The cumulative impact on the setting of the two monuments is assessed to be of medium magnitude and of moderate significance; a material consideration and significant in EIA terms. Taking into account the distribution of the other wind turbine developments and their relative sizes, the cumulative impact would however not be unacceptably adverse.

Mitigation Strategy

Construction Phase

7.6.55 The cultural heritage assessment has identified no significant direct effects arising from the proposed development. As such no specific mitigation measures are required in connection with identified cultural heritage features. There is however potential for direct impacts on any hitherto unidentified buried archaeological remains.

7.6.56 Should planning consent be granted for the proposed wind farm, an appropriate archaeological monitoring strategy, in the form of a watching brief, would be agreed in advance with The Highland Council Historic Environment Team and the scope of that work would be incorporated within a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI). The WSI would be submitted to Highland Council for approval prior to any construction works commencing on-site.

7.6.57 Written guidelines would be issued for use by all construction contractors, outlining the need to avoid causing unnecessary damage to known archaeological sites. That document would contain arrangements for calling upon retained professional archaeological support in the event that buried archaeological remains of potential archaeological interest (such as building remains, human remains, artefacts etc) should be discovered in areas not subject to archaeological monitoring. The guidance would make clear the legal responsibilities placed upon those who disturb artefacts or human remains.

Operational Phase

7.6.58 No mitigation measures are practical to avoid or further reduce the indirect impacts on the settings of heritage assets in the wider landscape. The effects would last for the life of the wind farm, c.25 years, and would be removed once the wind farm has been decommissioned and dismantled.

7.6.59 In recognition of the contribution of the proposed development to a cumulative impact on the setting of the Easter Rarichie Scheduled Monuments, the applicant proposes to provide ‘offset’ mitigation, the

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detailed scope of which would be agreed through consultation and dialogue with THC HET and Tarbat Discovery Centre. Initiatives could include improved access to and interpretation for Easter Rarichie Dun (4781) and perhaps bracken control / management on this site (subject to approval of HS). The provision of funding to local archaeology initiatives and research through Tarbat Discovery Centre could also further enhance understanding and enjoyment by the wider public of the cultural heritage of the Fearn Peninsula.

Decommissioning Phase

7.6.60 No significant effects are predicted during the decommissioning of the wind farm, presuming that the same road infrastructure is used for the dismantling and removal of the built features of the proposed development.

7.7 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

7.7.1 Three features, of minor cultural heritage interest, have been identified by the assessment within the proposed development site (Figure 7.1), using a range of desk-based sources, consultations and a field study. Two Scheduled Monuments of national importance lie to the north of the proposed development location.

7.7.2 No significant direct effects are predicted on any of the identified features within the proposed development site. The possibility that buried and unrecorded archaeological remains survive within the proposed development site is considered to be moderate. Mitigation measures have been proposed to offset the any possible direct effects through an appropriate mitigation strategy to be agreed with The Highland Council Historic Environment Team in advance of construction.

7.7.3 No significant effects on the settings of heritage assets within the proposed development boundary or within the 10km study area have been predicted. 7.7.4 One moderately significant cumulative impact has been identified; affecting the two Scheduled Monuments at Easter Rarichie. Mitigation proposals have been presented to offset the predicted impact.

7.7.5 The development proposals have been assessed against the cultural heritage baseline. None of the predicted effects is judged to be unacceptably significant. Overall, it is considered that the impact of the development on cultural heritage would not be unacceptable in terms of local, regional or national planning policy and guidance.

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REFERENCES

Cartographic Bell, A. 1763 ‘Plan of the Hill of Nigg as divided’ (National Archives of Scotland RHP680) Ordnance Survey (1881) ‘Ross-shire & Cromartyshire (Mainland), Sheet LV’ (six inches to one mile) Ordnance Survey (1881) ‘Ross and Cromarty Ross-shire Sheet LV.6’ (25 inches to one mile) Ordnance Survey (1881) ‘Ross and Cromarty Ross-shire Sheet LV’ (25 inches to one mile) Ordnance Survey (1881) ‘Ross and Cromarty Ross-shire Sheet LV.11’ (25 inches to one mile) Ordnance Survey (1907) ‘Ross-shire, 055’ (six inches to one mile) Ordnance Survey (1907) ‘Ross-shire, 055.6’ (25 inches to one mile) Ordnance Survey (1907) ‘Ross-shire, 055.7’ (25 inches to one mile) Ordnance Survey (1907) ‘Ross-shire, 055.11’ (25 inches to one mile) Pont, T (ca. 1583-96) ‘Pont's map of Tarbet Ness, Easter Ross’ (manuscript) Roy (1747-55) ‘Military Survey of Scotland’ Thomson, J. (1826) ‘Northern Part of Ross and Cromarty Shires’ Bibliographic IfA 2012 ‘Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment’. Institute for Archaeologists IfA 2014 ‘By-Laws: Code of Conduct’. Institute for Archaeologists MacAdam, A. 1791-99 ‘Parish of Nigg’ in the Statistical Account of Scotland, Vol. 13, 13-22. Rose, L. 1836 ‘Parish of Nigg’ in the New Statistical Accounts, Vol.14, 18-37. Aerial Photographs Sortie Frames Date Scale 106/G/Scot/UK112 3092-3097; 4115-4119 23/05/46 1:10,000 OS/70/304 069-072; 085-090; 105-109 26/08/70 1:7,500 Web-based Sources Carver, M. (undated) Tarbat, Monasticism & Iconography. Available at: http://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/gsp/alumni/carver/tarbat.html (accessed November 2014) New Approaches to the Emergence of a Powerful Pictish Kingdom. Available at: http:// http://www.abdn.ac.uk/the-north/research/pathways-to-power/carved-stones/ (accessed November 2014) Tarbat Discovery Centre. Available at: http:// http://www.tarbat- discovery.co.uk/index.php/archaeology/archaeology-fortriu/iron-age-and-later- power-centres-easter-ross (accessed November 2014) Tarbat Discovery Programme. Available at: http://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/staff/sites/tarbat/ (accessed November 2014)

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Legend E (! Turbine Location

Development Boundary

^ Meteorological Mast

Existing Access Tracks

Proposed Access Tracks

Crane Hardstandings

Compound

Control Building 3 Substation

Scheduled Monument 2 E Listed Building Category B

Cultural Heritage Site (line)

1 Cultural Heritage Site (area)

Figure 7.1 Cultural Heritage: Constraints Map

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Drawn by: SW 17/12/2014 behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database rights 2014. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Checked by: GM 1434/CH/XXXa Licence Number AL100020907 (West Coast Energy) / Approved by: TL 02i Kilometres Scale 1:10,000 when reproduced A3 size ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿

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E ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

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￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿0 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿1.5 3 4.5 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿6 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿7.5 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿/ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Kilometres Scale 1:80,000 when reproduced A3 size ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

Inver Primary School ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

Aldie House Baladie Farm ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Fearn Farm

Cullisse Farmhouse (! ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ Knockgarty Farm ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿

Strath of Pitcalnie E ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

E ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

E ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ West of Navity Cottages ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿

￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿0 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿1.5 3 4.5 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿6 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿7.5 ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿/ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ ￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿￿ Kilometres Scale 1:80,000 when reproduced A3 size Hill of Nigg Wind Farm

Figure 7.3a Cultural Heritage Viewpoint 1 - Fort and Dun Scheduled Monument

Viewpoint Data Grid Reference E284552, N873885 Elevation 51m AOD

Wireframe/Photograph Height above ground 1.5m Camera and Lens Canon 5D MkII with fixed 50mm lens Date 10/06/2014 Time 08:55

Proposed Turbine Information (Nigg only) Hub Height 59m Blade Tip Height 100m

Predicted Wireframe Turbine Visibility (Nigg only) Number of Turbine Tips Visible* 3 Number of Turbine Hubs Visible 3 Distance to Nearest Turbine 1,246m

Wireframe / Map Key

65.5° Nigg Turbine

Consented Turbine

39.6° Operational Turbine 27°

27° Angle of View (75mm Page 5) 39.6° Angle of View (50mm Page 4)

65.5° Angle of View (Page 2 & 3)

0km 3km Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf HMSO. © Crown Copyright and database right 2014. All rights reserved. Licence No AL100048146 (Atmos) Scale 1:40,000@ A3

Wireframes are generated using Ordnance Survey’s Terrain 50 which do not take in to account the screening effects Culturalof buildings Heritage or vegetation. Viewpoint 1: Fort and Dun Drawn by JM Tl02i *Refers to the number of turbines that blade tips can be seen rather than the number of individual tips seen from the viewpoint. Figure 7.3 Checked by TP 07/12/2014 Scheduled Monument Approved by TH 2015_PM_C127a HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Appendix 7.1 & 7.2

Gazetteer of Heritage Assets Within the Development Boundary & External Receptors

HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT APPENDIX 7.1: GAZETTEER OF HERITAGE ASSETS WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT BOUNDARY

ID Site HER No. Easting Northing Source Description Importance 1 Mill ponds and mill lade MHG32368 / 283200 874300 HER; historic The HER records two mill ponds: Local MHG32369 maps; aerial photographs; MHG32368: is described as a mill dam with sluice on north side and mill lade marked on field survey 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map (1881) that leads to east side of Wester Rarichie Farm and on to large mill pond (MHG31547) south of Cullisse Farm. MHG32369: is described as the southernmost of two ponds marked on 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map (1881) to the south of Wester Rarichie Farm. The Ordnance Survey 1st Edition 25”maps (1881) show that the southern mill pond is fed by two natural water courses. A sinuous mill lade then leads to the northern mill pond from where a linear mill lade leads to Wester Rariche Farm and then onwards to the large mill pond south of Cullise Farm. The Ordnance Survey 2nd Edition 25” maps (1907) depict the southernmost mill pond as silted up and no longer in use. The northern mill pond appears still to be a body of water and the large mill pond south of Cullise Farm is shown to be silted up and no longer in use. The ponds and lade are visible on aerial photographs dating to 1970. Field survey found no trace of the northern mill pond, the area having been disturbed by the laying of a gas pipeline across it. There is also no visible trace of the southern mill pond, this area having been used as a dump for farm rubbish. The mill lade was found and measures c.1m wide, revetted by a stone wall on either side. 2 Track 283730 872940 Historic maps; A track is depicted on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map (1881) running southwesterly Lesser field survey from the public road mid-way between Wester and Easter Rariche farms, passing through a group of farm cottages and ending abruptly by a boundary wall on Hill of Nigg. Field survey recorded a modern concrete track from 28389 87351 to 28373 87294 following a similar alignment to that of the historic track. 3 Track (possible) 283991 873485 Field survey Field survey recorded a grassy terrace c.3m wide and c.120m in length cutting into the Lesser slope of a hill that may be a section of an old track. The terrace peters out at both ends.

NIGG WIND ENERGY LTD .. CULTURAL HERITAGE Page 7 - 1 HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT APPENDIX 7.2: EXTERNAL RECEPTORS

Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) 1674 Clach a' Charridh, cross Scheduled 3 2.5 National Rural farmland setting overlooking High High Low Minor slab (Shandwick Stone) Monument Shandwick Bay and town 3490 Loch Eye, enclosures on Scheduled 3 6.3 National Shoreline of large water body (Loch High (localised) High Imperceptible Negligible submerged shoreline Monument Eye) (localised) 3751 King's Causeway, road Scheduled 3 8.7 National Section of former roadway running Moderate High Imperceptible Negligible 900m N of Grantfield Monument through woodland in rural farmland (localised) (localised) setting 3755 Marybank, church & site of Scheduled 3 9.4 National rural farmland setting on north bank High (localised) High Imperceptible Negligible chapel 230m SE of Monument of Balnagown River (localised) 4781 Easter Rarichie, dun 650m Scheduled 3 0.8 National Prominent knoll in rural farmland High High Low Minor SW of Monument setting on north side of dry valley, northeast of Hill of Nigg 5215 Easter Rarichie, fort and Scheduled 3 0.8 National Prominent knoll in rural farmland High High Low Minor dun 600m S of Monument setting on north side of dry valley, northeast of Hill of Nogg 5463 Newton Chapel Scheduled 3 8.6 National Rural farmland setting close to High High Imperceptible Negligible Monument shoreline of Inver Bay on the Dornoch Firth 5697 Cadboll Castle Scheduled 3 6.2 National Cadboll Castle group High High Imperceptible Negligible Monument Rural, coastal setting surrounded by (turbines visible open farmland. Stands to rear of in distant views Cadboll House. southwest on skyline) 90320 Hilton of Cadboll, chapel Scheduled 3 5.2 National Rural farmland setting on raised High High Low Minor 500m NNW of Monument beach northeast of Hilton and overlooking Shadwick Bay 7780 Fearn Abbey (Church of Category A 3 4.4 National Rural, farmland setting surrounded High High Low (turbines Minor Scotland Parish Church) Listed by open farmland and with farm visible on Hill of buildings and modern farm sheds Nigg across close by open farmland) 7848 Tarbat House and Stables. Category A 3 6.8 National Secluded location within Tarbat High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible Listed House IGDL. Views out to south to GDL) (localised) (Secluded closely screened by woodland. setting. Views outwards screened by trees)

NIGG WIND ENERGY LTD .. CULTURAL HERITAGE Page 7 - 1 HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) 7876 Kilmuir Easter Parish Category A 3 8.0 National Elevated position in rural, coastal High High Imperceptible Negligible Church (Church of Listed setting surrounded by open farmland (turbines visible Scotland) and Burial and overlooking Nigg Bay. on Hill of Nigg Ground in distant views across Nigg Bay) 1821 Cromarty Mains Category B 2 7.5 Regional Within Cromarty IGDL Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Farmhouse Listed Stands along the southeast boundary (localised to (localised) (long-distance of the GDL on high ground GDL) views not an overlooking the GDL and Cromarty aspect of Firth. Main view from farmhouse to assets northeast towards North Sutor. importance. Two turbine tips visible in distant views on skyline) 7770 Kildary Tarbat East Lodge Category B 3 7.4 Regional Secluded, wooded setting at north Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed end of Tarbat House IGDL, within (localised to (localised) (long-distance Kildary village. GDL) views not an aspect of assets importance. Views screened by closely surrounding woodland) 7771 Logie House Category B 3 6.7 Regional Former Free Church Manse in Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed wooded location adjacent to church. (localised) (localised) (long-distance Main views to south towards Nigg views not an Bay and Cromarty Firth. aspect of assets importance) 7773 Marybank Category B 3 9.1 Regional Rural farmland location overlooking Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed Balnagown River. Main view to (localised) (localised) (Main view to south, with forestry nearby. south. Turbine tips visible in distant views

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Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) southeast beyond forestry and on skyline) 7774 Old Shandwick House Category B 3 5.6 Regional Secluded, rural farmland location Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed surrounded by farmland. Main views (localised) (localised) (Main view to to south towards Nigg Bay and south. Turbine Cromarty Firth. tips visible in distant views southeast on skyline) 7778 Cadboll House and walled Category B 3 6.2 Regional Cadboll Castle group High (localised High Low (turbines Minor garden Listed Rural, coastal setting surrounded by to GDL) (localised) visible in open farmland. Principal orientation distant views towards south-southeast and out to southwest on sea. Narrow shelterbelt of trees along skyline) southwest boundary. 7779 Cadboll Dovecot Category B 3 6.2 Regional Cadboll Castle group Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed Rural, coastal setting surrounded by (localised to (localised) (long-distance open farmland. Close association GDL) views not an with Cadboll House. Stands in open aspect of aspect to south of House, alongside assets tree-lined south-southeast aligned importance) Avenue. 7781 Fearn former Manse Category B 3 4.3 Regional Rural, farmland setting surrounded High (localised High Low (turbines Minor (Hamilton House Mcfaid's Listed by open farmland and with farm with Parish (localised) visible on Hill of House Farquhar House) buildings and modern farm sheds Church/Abbey) Nigg across close by. Close association with open farmland) Fearne Abbey Church. 7782 Fearn Railway Station Category B 3 5.8 Regional Railway side location in open rural Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed farmland location. (localised) (localised) (long-distance views not an aspect of assets importance) 7784 Rhynie Category B 3 6.4 Regional Country farmhouse in rural farmland Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed location amidst associated farm (localised) (localised) (long-distance buildings. Principal facade faces views not an southeast towards Hilton of Cadboll aspect of

NIGG WIND ENERGY LTD .. ARCHEOLOGY & CULTURAL HERITAGE Page 7 - 3 HILL OF NIGG WIND TURBINES ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) and coast. assets importance) 7797 Cadboll Castle Category B 3 6.2 Regional Cadboll Castle group (also High (localised High Low (turbines Minor Listed scheduled) - see above (5697) to GDL) (localised) visible in distant views southwest on skyline) 7844 Milton Old Drovers' Inn Category B 3 7.2 Regional Within Milton CA Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed Small enclosed village in low lying (localised to (localised) (long-distance location close to A9. Mix of old and village/CA) views not an modern housing. important aspect of assets importance. views outwards to east screened by trees and woodland. Enclosed, self- contained setting) 7846 Polnicol Category B 3 8.3 Regional Rural, coastal setting surrounded by Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed open farmland and overlooking Nigg (localised) (localised) (turbines visible Bay. on Hill of Nigg in distant views across Nigg Bay) 7866 Balnagown Castle Category B 3 7.9 Regional Principal (restored) building within High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible Listed Balnagown IGDL. Open aspect views to GDL) (localised) (views towards to southeast towards Tarbat House Nigg Hill and Nigg Bay. screened by trees along Balnagown River) 7867 Balnagown Stables Category B 3 8.1 Regional Wooded parkland and farmland High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible Listed within Balnagown IGDL to GDL) (localised) (long-distance views not an

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Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) aspect of assets importance) 7868 Balnagown Farmhouse (at Category B 3 8.1 Regional Wooded parkland and farmland High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible Balnagown Mains) Listed within Balnagown IGDL to GDL) (localised) (long-distance views not an aspect of assets importance) 7869 Balnagown Barn (at Category B 3 8.1 Regional Wooded parkland and farmland High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible Balnagown Mains) Listed within Balnagown IGDL to GDL) (localised) (long-distance Gighouse and Byre views not an aspect of assets importance) 7872 Balnagown Castle walled Category B 3 8.4 Regional Wooded parkland and farmland High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible garden Listed within Balnagown IGDL to GDL) (localised) (long-distance views not an aspect of assets importance) 7873 Balnagown Castle Swiss Category B 3 8.7 Regional Wooded parkland and farmland High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible Cottage Listed within Balnagown IGDL to GDL) (localised) (long-distance views not an aspect of assets importance) 7875 Kildary former Railway Category B 3 7.5 Regional Railway side location to southwest of Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Station Listed Kildary village. (localised) (localised) (long-distance views not an aspect of assets importance) 7880 Milton Mill Category B 3 7.1 Regional Within Milton CA Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed Small enclosed village in low lying (localised to (localised) (long-distance location close to A9. Mix of old and village/ CA) views not an modern housing. important aspect of

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Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) assets importance. views outwards to east screened by trees and woodland. Enclosed, self- contained setting) 7883 Milton Market Cross Category B 3 7.2 Regional Within Milton CA Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed Small enclosed village in low lying (localised to (localised) (long-distance location close to A9. Mix of old and village/ CA) views not an modern housing. important aspect of assets importance. views outwards to east screened by trees and woodland. Enclosed, self- contained setting) 10811 Arabella House Category B 3 4.6 Regional Rural farmland location with closely Moderate Medium Low (turbines Minor Listed associated farm steading to north. (localised) (localised) visible in Main views south towrads Hill of distance on Hill Nigg. of Nigg to south across open farmland) 14041 Bayfield House Category B 3 2.8 Regional Elevated position in coastal location Moderate Medium Low (turbines Minor Listed overlooking Nigg Bay to the west. (localised) (localised) on skyline of Main view along Cromarty Firth to Hill of Nigg to southwest. northeast. 14042 Chapelhill Church (Church Category B 3 1.5 Regional Elevated position in rural farmland. High (localised) Medium Low (turbines Minor of Scotland) Listed Open views to north. Setting (localised) on skyline of backdropped by Hill of Nigg. Hill of Nigg to

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Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) northeast. 14043 1/2 Easter Rarichie Category B 3 1.8 Regional Roadside location in rural farmland Moderate Medium Low (turbines Minor Listed setting. Open views to south towards (localised) (localised) on skyline of coast. Hill of Nigg to south. 14045 Nigg Parish Hall (former Category B 3 3.1 Regional Elevated position in coastal location Moderate Medium Low (turbines Minor Free Church) Listed overlooking Nigg Bay to the west. (localised to (localised) tips only visible Main view along Cromarty Firth to vilage) on skyline of southwest. Hill of Nigg to northeast) 14105 Geanies House garden Category B 3 8.4 Regional Within House of the Geanies IGDL High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible walls and gate piers Listed Rural, coastal setting surrounded by to GDL) (localised) (screened open farmland. Secluded location views to within GDL with shelterbelt woodland southwest. along southwest boundary. Principal Where visible, orientation towards south-southeast turbines seen and out to sea. Formal approach in distant views from north. southwest on skyline) 14106 Geanies House Summer Category B 3 8.3 Regional Within House of the Geanies IGDL High (localised High Imperceptible Negligible House Listed Clifftop location overlooking sea, to GDL) (localised) (long-distance surrounded by woodland. views to southwest not an aspect of assets importance) 14969 Aldie Mill Category B 3 9.0 Regional Rural farmland loctaion within Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed wooded setting in farmstead group (localised) (localised) 14971 High Mills and Mill Cottage Category B 3 9.3 Regional Group of three former mill buildings Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Listed within woodland setting at road (localised) (localised) junction 14972 Knockbreck House and Category B 3 9.8 Regional Wooded garden setting adjacent to Moderate Medium Imperceptible Negligible Gate Piers Listed A9 and ASDA supermarket on (localised) (localised) outskirts of Tain 14040 Ankerville Corner The Old Category C 3 2.4 Local Rural farmland setting adjacent to Moderate Low Low (turbines Negligible Store House Listed public road (localised) visible on Nigg Hill to southeast.

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Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) Long-distance views not an aspect of assets importance) 47342 Fearn Royal Naval Air Category C 3 3.4 Local Former WWII airfield High (localised Medium Llow (turbines Negligible Station (Former) Control Listed to airfield) (localised) visible on Nigg Tower Hill to southeast) Milton CA 3 7.0 Regional Small enclosed village in low lying Medium Medium Imperceptible Negligible location close to A9. Extensive (localised to (localised) (views modern housing to northwest. village and outwards to Screening provided by woodland to Tarbat and east screened south and southeast. Setting for Balnagown by trees and listed buildings. GDLs) woodland. Enclosed, self- contained setting) Cromarty House IGDL 2 6.8 National The designed landscape makes an High High Imperceptible Negligible important contribution to the setting (limited visibilty of Cromarty town, the Sutors of from IGDL to Cromarty and to the landscape northeast. character of the Black Isle. This gives Where visible the site outstanding Scenic value. (from higher The IGDL provides the integral ground), two setting for the classical house (listed turbines seen category A), stables and other in distant views structures and an important northeast termination to the town. It is of beyond skyline) outstanding Architectural interest. Tarbat House IGDL 3 5.9 National Tarbat has Architectural value as the High High Imperceptible Negligible setting for Tarbat House, which is a (screened fine classical mansion. Tarbat is views to integral to the landscape character at southeast. Milton, on the north shore of the Where visible, Cromarty Firth. It forms an important turbines seen landscape component as seen from in distant views Cromarty and the north shores of the southeast on

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Ref No Asset Name Status No of Distance Importance Summarised Setting Contribution Sensitivity Magnitude of Significance turbine to of Asset of Setting of Setting Effect of Effect tips nearest visible turbine (km) Black Isle. skyline) House of the Geanies IGDL 3 8.0 National Coastal setting above cliffs High High Imperceptible Negligible overlooking Moray Firth. High (screened Architectural value as it provides the views to setting for a category B listed southwest. building. The woodlands make an Where visible, important contribution to the local turbines seen scenery. in distant views southwest on skyline) Balnagown Castle IGDL 3 7.4 National Views of the policies are limited. The High High Imperceptible Negligible designed landscape provides the (screened setting for the restored Balnagown views to Castle (tower house) and several southeast. other B listed architectural features. Where visible, Policy woodlands provide some local turbines seen scenic value. in distant views southeast on skyline)

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