Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
TECHNICAL APPENDIX 8.6: VISUAL ASSESSMENT TABLES
1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Viewpoint Assessment 2 1.3 Residential Locations and Settlements Assessment 22 1.4 Routes Assessment 31
August 2021
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
1 Technical Appendix 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables
1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 This Technical Appendix provides detailed assessment of changes to the view from representative viewpoints (VPs), Residential Receptor Locations (RRLs) and Routes identified as having the potential to gain views of the Proposed Development. Detailed information on the rationale for those locations included in the visual assessment is included in Appendix 8.2. 1.1.2 VPs are shown on Figure 8.5.1 (a larger A1 version is presented on Figure 8.5.2), RRLs are shown on Figure 8.6.3 (which is zoomed to the detailed study area) and Routes are shown on both Figures 8.6.2 and 8.6.3.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
1.2 Viewpoint Assessment
Table 1.2.1: Viewpoint Assessment Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of
to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Track to Loch Liath Views over moorland and young The Proposed Development turbines Illustrative of open, trees with the Operational would be visible in close proximity in very close-proximity Development turbines visible in main views behind the Operational view, from track on close proximity on top of a ridge, Development turbines, seen on the the edge of the with associated tracks and skyline as hubs and blades, partially Operational substation visible too. Deer screened by landform. The Proposed Development site. fences and small lochan can be Development would slightly increase seen in the foreground, and the horizontal field of view occupied other wind farms can be seen on by turbines but would appear in scale
the distant skyline where the and not appear taller than the
landscape opens up to the east Operational Development turbines. Hubs – 9
VP 1 (Dunmaglass and Corriegarth 4.16km Low
Low Low Minor Tips - 17 Minor Wind Farms), on the other side of the glen and forested slopes. A wood pole overhead line (OHL) can be seen immediately south of the track. Views south and west are contained by landform and forestry, so main views are directed towards north-east towards the Operational Development and east towards Loch Ness.
1 Theoretically visible
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Old Bridge, Main views east over river, Some Proposed Development turbine Invermoriston framed by trees along river bank, tips would be perceptible on the Representative of looking towards hills with skyline in main views, partially close-proximity views forestry in mid-ground and screened by trees and landform.
craggy moorland on higher
from Invermoriston,
ground. ow
taken from Old ow
l l
- - Bridge. The Great Hubs – 0
VP 2 Glen Way and A82 4.14km High Minor Tips – 3 Minor
road are nearby, and Negligible this point is a popular Negligible visitor destination with similar views to the A82 bridge, although slightly less screened. Meall Fuar- Elevated, panoramic views over The Proposed Development turbines mhonaidh craggy upland moorland with would be visible in panoramic views in Illustrative of occasional lochans and front of the Operational Development
elevated views from mountains in the distance to the turbines, appearing closer and slightly
popular local hill south, south-west and south- increasing the horizontal field of view.
east. Views across the Great
summit on the north- The Proposed Development substation
western side of Loch Glen to the east, over Loch Ness, and tracks would also be perceptible, oderate Hubs – 18 oderate
VP 3 Low- m
Ness, within Loch low-lying farmland and forested 4.95km seen in the context of the proposed m -
medium Tips – 18 - Medium Ness and Duntelchaig slopes. Operational turbines. Medium
Special Landscape Development visible in close Minor Construction would be noticeable but Minor Area (SLA). proximity to the south-west, and seen in the context of the Operational several wind farm clusters visible Development turbines. This may on the distant skyline to the include excavation and reinstatement north, north-east and south- of borrow pits. west.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Achtuie Road near Elevated main views south-west Some Proposed Development turbine
Creag Nay over Drumnadrochit, surrounded tips would be perceptible on the
by fields and wooded slopes. skyline in main view, seen above
inor inor ow
Elevated location on ow
l l
- -
m m - Views south-east of Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit in a dip in the - public road Hubs – 0 VP 4 representative of with Urquhart Castle visible on 14.54km landform. Medium Tips – 7
similar views from the promontory and Corriegarth Focal features of Urquhart Castle and Negligible
nearby properties Wind Farm turbines on the Meal Fuar-mhonaidh would not be Negligible Negligible north of skyline above the loch. affected. Negligible Drumnadrochit.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Suidhe Viewpoint, Open, elevated views, panoramic The Proposed Development turbines B862 but with main views towards would be noticeable in side views on Elevated viewpoint north-east over Loch Ness, the skyline to the north-west, adjacent with information forested wide glens and the to the Operational Development, board by B862, B862 continuing into the extending the horizontal and vertical illustrative of views distance. This north-easterly field of view occupied by turbines, from roadside. view is also the visual focus on whereby the larger scale turbines and Situated on General an information board at this wind farm extent would be noticeable. Wade’s Military viewpoint, that labels key Road, within Loch features within the view, Ness and Duntelchaig including Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, SLA. the Great Glen and Loch Ness, Inverness and the Moray Firth,
Loch Knockie, Tom na Crioch,
Loch Mhor and Beinn Sgurrach.
It also draws attention to the old Hubs – 18 VP 5 military road / B862 and “traces 10.86km Medium
Tips – 18 edium M
of human activity” that are Medium
Moderate Moderate present including hut circles, townships, sheilings as well as forestry plantations, reservoirs for hydro-electricity and wind turbines. Wind turbines of Corriegarth and Dunmaglass Wind Farms are visible to the north-east and the Operational Development turbines are also visible in side views to the north- west on the skyline. To the east- north-east the landform is more craggy and rocky in contrast to the expansive broad valley of Stratherrick and the Great Glen.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Summit by Suidhe Open, elevated, panoramic views Some Proposed Development turbines Viewpoint, B862 over landscape with views over would be visible on skyline to the Elevated viewpoint at lochs and broad forested valleys north-west in panoramic views but
popular summit to the north-east including the majority screened by landform.
along footpath (part turbines of Dunmaglass and Walking along the path to this VP from
of the South Loch Corriegarth wind farms. To the B862, visibility of the Operational and
Ness Trail) going off south, there are views across Proposed Development decreases as oderate Hubs – 4 oderate
VP 6 m
craggy upland and lochs, the 10.70km you travel west, whereby the Medium m Low
from B862, near Low - Tips – 6 - Suidhe Viewpoint. road disappearing into the Operational Development is screened
distance and distant mountains, when you reach the VP. Minor with Millennium and Beinneun Minor (and Extension) Wind Farms visible on the distant skyline. Views south-east are across the B862 and a river valley. B862 south of Foyers Open views over moorland and The Proposed Development turbines Illustrative of views farmland across nearby areas of would be noticeable in side views on from section of the woodland and hills to the east. skyline, seen adjacent to the
Turbine tips of Corriegarth and Operational Development turbines,
B862.
Dunmaglass Wind Farms extending the vertical and horizontal
igh igh h
Hubs – 14 h - perceptible to the north-east field of view occupied by turbines, - VP 7 and east and the Operational 9.63km whereby the larger scale turbines and Low Tips – 18
Development turbines to the wind farm extent would be noticeable. Moderate
Moderate Medium north-east on the skyline. For Medium receptors travelling along this road, the Operational Development features in side views.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Lochside picnic layby Main views through break in Some Proposed Development turbine on B852 roadside trees onto Loch Ness, tips would be barely perceptible on Illustrative of worst- looking across to forested slopes skyline in main views in a dip in the case low-level views and Urquhart Bay, with Urquhart landform, seen adjacent and in front
from picnic spot and Castle visible. Turbines of the of the Operational Development
parking area on B852 Operational Development are turbines. Although proposed turbines visible on the skyline in a dip in would be perceptible, the change to Medium- Hubs – 1 VP 8 (also part of the 21.10km
South Loch Ness the landform. Boats are visible this view would be barely perceptible high Tips – 3
Negligible Negligible Negligible Trail), on eastern on the water and dispersed considering the existing turbines. Negligible shore of Loch Ness, properties can be seen on Focal features of Urquhart Castle and within Loch Ness and lower/mid valley slopes across Meal Fuar-mhonaidh would not be Duntelchaig SLA. the loch. affected and the Proposed Development would be contained in a landform dip. Carn na Elevated panoramic views across The Proposed Development turbines Saobhaidhe uplands to distant mountains, would be visible in the distance in
Illustrative of with several wind turbines panoramic views, seen adjacent and in
elevated views from visible in different directions. front of the Operational Development inor
popular Corbett Turbines of Corriegarth Wind turbines, extending the horizontal inor
m m
- summit on southern Farm notable in the foreground field of view occupied by turbines, and Hubs – 18 -
VP 9 to the west, Dunmaglass Wind 20.15km appearing slightly larger in scale and Low Low side of Loch Ness. Tips – 18 Low Farm to the north-east and in being perceived as closer to the
the distance, turbines of viewer. This change would affect a Negligible Stronelairg, Millennium, small proportion of the panoramic Negligible Beinneun (and Extension), view where visual focus is dominated Corrimony and the Operational by nearby wind turbines of Corriegarth Development. Wind Farm.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Great Glen Way near Elevated open views west – The Proposed Development turbines Carn a’ Bhodaich north-west over moorland and would be visible on the skyline in the Illustrative of views fields towards forested hills and distance, seen in front of the from section of the mountains with two wind farm Operational Development turbines,
Great Glen Way on clusters visible to north-west and extending vertical and horizontal field
north in far distance (Fairburn, of view occupied by turbines. C1060 minor road, to Hubs – 7
VP 10 Corriemoillie and Lochluichart 23.28km Medium Low
the north of Carn Low Minor Tips – 18 Minor a’Bhodaich. Wind Farms). Views to south- west extend to distant upland with turbines of the Operational Development on the skyline. Local wood pole line in foreground. Meall Mor, Glen Elevated open views across The Proposed Development turbines Affric moorland and forested glen would be visible in panoramic views, Illustrative of towards distant hills. Several seen adjacent and behind the
elevated views from turbine clusters are visible, Operational Development and in front
including Corrimony and the of distant wind turbines of Corriegarth
local high point
Operational Development in the Wind Farm, whereby it would extend
inor inor ow
within Central ow
l l
- -
m m - mid-ground to the south-east, the horizontal field of view occupied - Highlands Wild Land Hubs – 9 VP 11 Area (WLA), on and others further away on 14.61km by turbines. Landform would separate Low Tips – 16
northern boundary of skyline to the Farr Wind Farm to the Operational and Proposed Negligible
the Glen Affric the north, Dunmaglass and Development into two clusters, but all Negligible
Negligible Negligible National Scenic Area Corriegarth Wind Farms to the turbines would be back-clothed (NSA) and southern south-east and Millennium Wind against landform and would appear boundary of the Farm to the south. similar in scale. Monar and Mullardoch SLA.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Creag Dhubh Elevated views across Glen Affric The Proposed Development turbines Illustrative of to the north-west, across valley (tips and a few hubs) would be barely elevated view from floor and wooded slopes, and perceptible in panoramic views, hilltop within WLA, across another glen to the east- behind the Operational Development with views north south-east, across upland turbines, partially screened by across Glen Affric moorland and hill slopes covered landform. They would not extend the NSA. with scattered woodland and horizontal or vertical field of view and
areas of forestry, and valley floor would be perceived as a more intense
with occasional buildings and a cluster of turbines in this small part of - road running in the direction of the overall panoramic view. Low- Hubs – 2 VP 12 the glen. The Operational 15.63km medium Tips - 17
Development is visible on the
Negligible Negligible Negligible skyline to the east, in front of Negligible Dunmaglass Wind Farm turbines on the distant skyline. Corrimony Wind Farm turbines are visible to the east, back- clothed, while Beinneun (and Extension) Wind Farm turbines can be seen to the south in a dip in the landform.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Sgùrr nan Elevated panoramic views with The Proposed Development turbines Conbhairean large mountains to the west, would be barely perceptible in distant Illustrative of south-west and north-west , the panoramic views behind the elevated view from forested slopes and farmed Operational Development and in front popular Munro valley floor of Glen Moriston of several distant wind turbines, with summit within visible to the south-east and some proposed turbines breaking the Moidart, Morar and Loch Cluanie visible immediately skyline, but the majority appearing Glenshiel SLA and to the south. Several wind farms backclothed. They would slightly Central Highlands are visible, with Beinneun (and increase the vertical field of view
WLA; and on the Extension) Wind Farm in close occupied by turbines but would not
edge of the Glen proximity to the south-east and increase the horizontal spread. Millennium and Stronelairg Wind Hubs – 18 VP 13 Affric NSA. 26.56km Medium
Farms further away to the south- Tips – 18
Negligible Negligible Negligible east. In the distance, to the east Negligible and north-east, Corriegarth and Dunmaglass Wind Farms can be seen. The Operational Development is visible, back- clothed, next to Corrimony Wind Farm in the midground to the north-east, and to their rear, in the far distance, the wind turbines of Moy, Farr and Glen Kyllachy Wind Farms .
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Meall Dubh Elevated, open views across Glen The Proposed Development turbines Illustrative of Moriston to the north-north- would be perceptible in panoramic elevated view from east, over farmed and forested views, behind and adjacent to the Corbett path, by valley floor, clustered properties Operational Development turbines, Millennium Wind and River Moriston, with extending the horizontal field of view Farm. moorland on higher ground. The to the east and appearing relatively Operational Development can be similar in scale. seen on the hillside to the north- east. To the south there are views over Loch Cluanie and a
series of cascading hills as well as
the A87 disappearing into the inor
distance. To the east, turbines of inor
m m
- Millennium Wind Farm are Hubs – 18 -
VP 14 18.87km Low Low prominent nearby, while more Tips - 18 Low
distant views in this direction Negligible extend over the forested slopes Negligible of the Great Glen towards distant hills, with several wind farms on the skyline, including Dunmaglass, Corriegarth and Stronelairg, Farr and Glen Kyllachy Wind Farms. Beinneun (and Extension) Wind Farm is screened by local topography from this VP, but is likely to be visible from other parts of the summit.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Poll‐gormack Hill Elevated panoramic views across The Proposed Development turbines Illustrative of moorland upland to the east- would be visible to the north, in elevated mid-range north-east and across the distant panoramic views, adjacent to views from summit forested slopes of the Great Glen the Operational Development and in within Braeroy- to the west. Turbines of nearby front of Fairburn Wind Farm. The Glenshirra-Creag Millennium and Beinneun (and Proposed Development would extend Meagadh WLA, with Extension) Wind Farms are the horizontal field of view occupied views across the prominent on hill slopes in the by turbines and would appear slightly
Corrieyarrick Pass. midground to the north-west, larger than the Operational
while the Operational Development turbines. r Development, Corrimony and Hubs – 18
VP 15 22.10km Low Minor
Fairburn Wind Farm turbines can Tips - 18 Mino Medium be seen in an adjacent upland Medium area to the north, back-clothed. Corriegarth and Dunmaglass Wind Farm turbines are visible to the north-east on the skyline, above a dam structure. A steel lattice OHL passes by nearby to the north-east and the remains of fences can be seen in the foreground.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Geal Charn Elevated, expansive views over The Proposed Development turbines Illustrative of rolling upland moorland towards would be visible to the north-west, in elevated views from distant valleys and hills, with distant panoramic views, adjacent to Munro summit, on views towards the Great Glen the Operational Development and to western boundary of and the wooded slopes the rear of Stronelairg Wind Farm. The Cairngorm National surrounding Loch Lochy to the Proposed Development would extend Park (CNP) and near west. Stronelairg Wind Farm the horizontal field of view occupied the boundary of the turbines and tracks are visible in by turbines and would appear slightly
Monadhliath WLA. the foreground to the north- larger than the Operational
west, and behind it the Development turbines, but this Operational Development can be change would be largely imperceptible Hubs – 18 VP 16 seen further in the distance. 26.86km in the context of foreground turbines Low
Several other wind farms are in the foreground. Tips – 18
Negligible Negligible
Negligible Negligible also visible in multiple directions, including Dunmaglass Wind Farm and some turbine tips of Corriegarth Wind Farm to the north-east, and Beinneun Wind Farm (and Extension) to the east. On the distant skyline to the north Corriemoillie, Lochluichart and Fairburn Wind Farms are perceptible.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
B862 south of Dores Elevated main views to the west The Proposed Development turbines Layby by B862 by over Loch Ness and forested would be noticeable on the skyline in property and field. valley sides, with open field in main views in front of the Operational Illustrative of foreground and focus down to Development turbines, extending the
elevated view across Urquhart Bay, where Urquhart vertical and horizontal field of view
Loch Ness from B Castle is visible. Boats are visible occupied by turbines. Focal features of
road and nearby on the loch; dispersed properties Urquhart Castle and Meal Fuar-
property, within Loch are visible on lower/mid slopes; mhonaidh would not be affected and
oderate oderate oderate edium Hubs – 4 edium
VP 17
m m m
and the settlement of 22.32km the Proposed Development would be Medium m -
Ness and Duntelchaig - - Tips – 8 -
SLA. Drumnadrochit is visible on the contained in a landform dip. Low
valley floor. A property and Low Minor domestic turbine are visible Minor nearby to the immediate south. The Operational Development turbines are visible on skyline to the south-west, on the other side of the loch.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Track near Dun Elevated, open views across The Proposed Development would Fhamhair fort craggy upland moorland upland appear in the distance beside the Illustrative of longer with scattered trees, over low- Operational Development on the range views from lying farmland with patches of skyline, partially screened by walking route near woodland and a few properties landform, extending the horizontal
on hill slopes. An OHL passes field of view and appearing slightly
Beauly.
through the landscape in the larger in scale, although this may not
inor inor
ow ow l
midground, and another one be perceptible given distance. The l
- -
m m - slightly further away. Wind Proposed and Operational Hubs – 8 - VP 18 25.80km Medium farms are visible on the distant Developments would still together Tips - 16
skyline to the south, south-east occupy a small part of the overall
Negligible Negligible Negligible and south-west, including the view. Negligible Operational Development and in good visibility, wind turbines of Stronelairg, Corriegarth and Dunmaglass Wind Farms, which may be perceptible in the far distance on the skyline.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Path north of Loch Elevated views across grassy The Proposed Development turbine Affric track and heather-clad hill slopes tips would be barely perceptible in the Illustrative of worst- down to valley and Loch Affric distance in views to the north, seen case low-level views and scattered conifer trees lining adjacent to the Operational from mountain track the loch sides, towards steep Development turbines. Focal views
to the north of Loch hills on the other side of the loch across Glen Affric to the south-east
Affric, near junction with patches of woodland lining would not be affected. some of the slopes. Views are Medium- Hubs – 0 VP 19 with core path, 23.48km
situated within Glen drawn south-west where the high Tips - 3
Negligible Negligible Negligible Affric NSA and sweeping hill sides meet the Negligible Central Highlands valley floor, with a backdrop of WLA. steep hills. Views north are contained by landform but some turbines of the Operational Development are visible on the skyline in the distance. Path north of Affric Elevated views down valley The Proposed Development turbines Lodge towards Loch Affric and Loch would be visible behind the Illustrative of Beinn a’ Mheadhoin and across Operational Development turbines on elevated point on moorland and forested slopes. the skyline, adding a few more tips
path north of Affric Views north are contained by and one hub, and would appear
Lodge, on slopes of landform. Wind turbines are smaller/lower down than the Am Meallan hill, visible in views to the east, seen Operational Development turbines. Hubs – 1 VP 20 above Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin, 20.07km Medium within the Central Tips - 9
where the Operational
Negligible Negligible Negligible Highlands WLA and Negligible Glen Affric NSA. Development is visible on the skyline, and Corrimony Wind Farm turbines backclothed on the hillside below skyline, and Moy Wind Farm turbines barely visible in the distance.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Toll Creagach Elevated panoramic views across The Proposed Development turbines Illustrative of mountains tops to the north; would be visible behind the elevated views from and along valleys to River Operational Development, extending a Munro on the edge Cannich to the north-east, and the horizontal field of view occupied of the Glen Affric NSA Loch Mullardoch. Views south- by turbines. The turbines would and Strathconon, east extend across large areas of appear similar in scale to the Monar and forestry and towards uplands, Operational Development.
Mullardoch SLA, featuring several wind farms at
within the Central varying distances. In the inor
Highlands WLA. midground, the Operational inor
m m
- Development and Corrimony - Low- Hubs – 16
VP 21 Wind Farm are visible to the 19.80km Low medium Low east-south-east, with Tips - 18
Corriegarth, Dunmaglass and Negligible Stronelairg Wind Farms visible in Negligible the distance. To the south, Millennium and Beinneun (and Extension) Wind Farms are visible. To the east, Moy, Farr and Glen Kyllachy are perceptible in the distance. An OHL also crosses the glen below the Proposed Development.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Sgurr na Ruaidhe Elevated panoramic views of The Proposed Development turbines Illustrative of mountains to the west, south- would be visible adjacent to the elevated views from west and north-west, and over Operational Development, extending a Munro within the more low-lying farmland and the horizontal field of view and Glen Strathfarrar patches of forestry and appearing slightly larger. group of hills and woodland east, towards the views over Glen Great Glen. A number of wind Strathfarrar NSA. It is farms are visible on the distant
also located within skyline to the east and south-
the Strathconon, east, including Farr, Glen inor
Monar and Kyllachy, Dunmaglass, inor
m m
- Corriegarth and Stronelairg Wind - Mullardoch SLA and Low- Hubs – 17
VP 22 Farms. To the north-east, 22.49km Low Central Highlands medium Tips - 18 Low WLA. towards Orrin Glen, Fairburn
Wind Farm can be seen in the Negligible midground behind Orrin Negligible reservoir. Behind it, Beauly Firth can be seen in the distance. Further to the north, the turbines of Corriemoillie and Lochluichart Wind Farms can be seen. To the south, Corrimony Wind Farm is visible in front of the Operational Development in the mid ground.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
An Cabar (Ben Elevated panoramic views across The Proposed Development turbines Wyvis) upland moorland to the west would be barely perceptible in the far Illustrative of distant over lochs and forestry blocks distance, adjacent to the Operational elevated views from situated on lower slopes, Development turbines and in the hilltop located in towards distant hill tops. The context of several other wind Rhiddoroch-Beinn turbines of Lochluichart and developments. It would increase the
Dearg-Ben Wyvis Corriemoillie Wind Farms are horizontal extent occupied by
WLA and Ben Wyvis visible in close proximity. Views turbines, but the change would affect SLA. over the wooded slopes of a very small part of the panoramic Hubs – 14 VP 23 Strathconon to the south with 44.85km view. Low Tips - 18
Fairburn Wind Farm visible on
Negligible Negligible
Negligible Negligible the hillside. The forested strath opens up to low-lying farmland to the south-east, with views across the Great Glen and towards Cromarty Firth to the east. Other wind developments may be seen on the distant skyline in good visibility.
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Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
NCN1 Between Views across Cromarty Firth The Proposed Development turbines Dingwall and towards gently sloping farmland would be perceptible above forestry Evanton with patches of forestry on the on the far distant skyline, adjacent to Illustrative of distant other side and hills in the barely perceptible tips of the views from national distance to the south-west. Operational Development. cycle route (NCR 1) Minor road, car park and a and minor road in building visible in the
coastal location. foreground, surrounded by
woodland on one side. Trees occasionally line the shoreline. Low- Hubs – 11 VP 24 Local wood pole OHLs and a 42.98km medium Tips - 18
domestic turbine can be seen,
Negligible Negligible
Negligible Negligible and a telecom mast can be seen on the skyline on the other side of the firth. In the far distance, turbines of Dunmaglass, Glen Kyllachy and Farr Wind Farms may be perceptible on the skyline. Tips of the Operational Development are barely perceptible on the skyline.
August 2021 20
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest1 Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Minor road near Relatively open views to south The Proposed Development turbines Tore over elevated fields and large would be perceptible in far distance Slightly elevated areas of woodland. Shelterbelt on skyline in part of main view, location by road near trees and areas of woodland adjacent to barely perceptible tips of
row of properties and visible nearby as well as the Operational Development.
farm buildings. dispersed properties including a row of houses and farm Illustrative of distant Low- Hubs – 5 VP 25 buildings. In the far distance, 38.28km views from rural medium Tips - 15
turbines of Dunmaglass, Glen
Negligible Negligible Negligible settled area near Negligible Tore / Black Isle. Kyllachy. Farr and Moy Wind Farms may be perceptible on the skyline. Tips of the Operational Development and Corriegarth Wind Farm are barely perceptible on the skyline. A87 Bun Loyne Elevated main views to the The Proposed Development turbines
Illustrative of north-east over wooded glen would be visible on the skyline in main
elevated views from with OHL (Beauly-Denny) on views behind the Operational
layby and short distant skyline and local OHL in Development, slightly extending the edium the foreground. Some tips of the horizontal field of view and appearing Hubs – 3 edium
VP 26 section of road. 20.37km Low
m m
- - Minor Shares similar views Operational Development are slightly bigger. Tips – 14 Minor
perceptible on skyline and Low from this road further Low south-west. Beinneun (and Extension) Wind Farm turbines are prominent in nearby views to south.
August 2021 21
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
1.3 Residential Locations and Settlements Assessment
Table 1.3.1: Residential Locations and Settlements Assessment (refer also to Figure 8.6.3)
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of
to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Invermoriston Within low-level areas, views The Proposed Development turbines Village on the A82 largely enclosed or filtered by would be screened or filtered in /A887, where the trees or landform, but with some majority of views from this settlement,
River Moriston glimpsed views of the by trees and/or landform. From some
meets Loch Ness. Operational Development low level locations (e.g. VP 2 and more turbine tips on the skyline from open locations), some tips would be (See VP 2 for worst- Low- R1 more open areas, filtered by 3km barely perceptible on the skyline, seen 1 - 10 case views) medium
foreground vegetation. In in the context of the Operational
Negligible Negligible Negligible Similar views are Negligible elevated open locations, the Development turbine tips. From experienced on Core Operational Development is elevated open locations, the Proposed Paths IN18.01 and visible on skyline in near or side Development may be perceptible in 18.02. views. rear or side views, alongside tips of the Operational Development Bhlaraidh Views largely enclosed by nearby The Proposed Development turbine Properties on/ near trees and oriented towards the tips would be screened by nearby
A887 road, situated watercourse, A887, or on trees, but any glimpses of tips would
to west of the east/west axis. be in rear or side views, filtered by vegetation, in the context of the Low- R2 Operational 3.7km 1 - 5
Development site Operational Development turbine tips medium
Negligible Negligible Negligible entrance, situated on the skyline. Negligible amongst trees, next Construction activity further along the to area of clear-fell. A887 to the east is unlikely to be perceptible from this location.
2 Theoretically visible, approx. distance
August 2021 22
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Torgyle Bridge and Views largely contained by trees. The Proposed Development turbines
Dalchreichart would be screened by nearby trees.
Properties along/near the A887 R3 10.6km Low 1 - 15
in Glen Moriston,
Negligible Negligible Negligible near the Beauly- Negligible Denny OHL, enclosed in trees. North of Majority of properties have From more open properties (e.g. those
Drumnadrochit elevated views south over near VP 4), some Proposed
Properties situated Drumnadrochit and south-east Development turbine tips would be
inor inor
ow ow l
over Loch Ness, with views of perceptible on the skyline in main l -
on elevated slopes to -
m m - Urquhart Castle by the loch, and views, seen above Drumnadrochit in a - R4 north of 14km Medium 1 - 15 Drumnadrochit. turbines of Corriegarth Wind dip in the landform.
(See VP 4 for similar Farm visible on skyline above the From more enclosed properties, views
Negligible Negligible Negligible views). loch. would be screened by trees. Negligible Views from some properties are more screened/filtered by trees.
August 2021 23
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Properties around Mixture of orientations and For some properties, the Proposed Cragganvallie outlooks. For some properties Development would be screened by Properties to south (e.g. Teavarran and nearby along vegetation. For others with open and south-west of VP the C1072 minor road), main views to the south-west, the Proposed 10, including along views are elevated and open to Development turbines would be C1060 (Dunain – the south-west onto valley, perceptible in the distance on the
Blackfold – across fields and forestry skyline in side and some main/oblique
towards distant hills, with tips of views, adjacent and in front of the )
Abriachan) and )
) )
C1072 (Abriachan – the Operational Development Operational Development turbine tips.
Foxhole) minor roads visible on the distant skyline, and
inor
inor
ow ow
egligible egligible
egligible l egligible
such as Teavarran, properties and OHLs visible in l
m
m
n n
n n R5 Cragganvallie, distance to the west. 19.5km Medium 1 - 18
Woodend, Rinuden, For properties on the C1060
Locally Locally
ocally ocally
L Locally
Ballone and minor road (south of VP 10), the
lsewhere lsewhere lsewhere
lsewhere lsewhere
E E E
Ladycairn. majority of views are oriented E
( (
( ( west towards Allt Mor, with (See VP 10 for worst- some open side views of the case views). Operational Development turbine tips on the skyline, and
some side views largely screened by vegetation. For other properties, nearby woodland encloses views.
August 2021 24
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Dores and nearby Mixture of views but majority For some properties with open views
lochside properties with views directed to the north- to the south-west across the loch, the
Village on eastern west towards Loch Ness, some Proposed Development turbine tips
shore of Loch Ness, enclosure provided by nearby would be barely perceptible, on the
inor inor
ow ow
l l -
trees and buildings. distant skyline in a dip in the landform - m
property south of m
- -
Dores on lochside, in some side/oblique views. From
egligible) egligible)
egligible) egligible)
n n n Dores, the Operational Development Medium or n
R6 and Wester Erchite. 20.2km 1 - 10 egligible
turbines are not visible. From the high egligible
n n egligible
(See VP 8 for similar egligible n views). property south of Dores on the n
lochside, the Proposed Development
lsewhere lsewhere
E
Locally Locally
( (Elsewhere (Elsewhere
would be perceptible adjacent to the (Elsewhere
Locally Locally Locally Operational Development turbines. For many properties, nearby trees or buildings would screen views. Properties south of Open, elevated views of Loch The Proposed Development turbines Dores Ness, with tips of the would be noticeable in some side and
Properties in Operational Development main views in a dip in the landform,
elevated location turbines visible in a dip on the some views filtered by vegetation.
on/near the B862 skyline. They would be seen in front of the
south of Dores, on Operational Development turbines,
oderate oderate oderate edium
R7 extending the vertical and horizontal edium
m m m
the eastern slopes of 21km Medium 6 - 10 m
- - -
Loch Ness, including field of view occupied by turbines. - Low
Balnafoich, Low Minor Kindrummond and Minor Drummond. (See VP 17 for similar views)
August 2021 25
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Farraline and Open views over Loch Mhor with Some Proposed Development turbine
Ballindaloch hills in distance, and forestry on tips would be perceptible on the
inor inor
ow ow l
other side of loch in the skyline in main views. l -
Properties on -
m m - eastern shores of midground. Turbines of Medium- - R8 15km 1 - 10 Loch Mhor, at base Millennium Wind Farm visible on high
of Creag a’ the skyline.
Negligible Negligible Negligible Chliabhain. Negligible
Easter and Wester Open main views north-west Main, oblique or side views of a few
Aberchalder and over loch, moorland and Proposed Development turbine tips
Migovie farmland, with turbines of perceptible on the skyline, further
Properties to south- Millennium Wind Farm visible on along the horizon from tips of the edium Medium- edium
R9 skyline to the south-west. Tips of Operational Development. m
east of Loch Mhor, at 13.4km 1 - 15 m
- - Minor high Minor
base of Carn Liath. the Operational Development Low just perceptible on the skyline to Low the north-west.
August 2021 26
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Properties north- Mixture of views, with most For most properties, the Proposed west of B862 views north, north-west and Development turbines would be between Errogie and west enclosed by nearby screened by forestry in the Lochbranside woodland. Some properties with midground. For others, some tips of Properties to north- more extensive views towards the Proposed Development turbines west of Loch Mhor hills in the distance, and many may be just visible but would be
and B862, some with views to the south-east barely perceptible.
situated on edge of across the B862 towards Loch Mhor. Turbine tips of Corriegarth forestry. These Low- R10 include Dhuhallow, Wind Farm visible to varying 11.6km 1 - 10
extents on skyline to south-east. medium Negligible
southern Errogie, Negligible
Negligible Negligible Gorthleck House, North Lyne, Largfield, Taigh Maidh, North Murnich, Cultie, Trinloist, Tyndrum, Wester Murnich and Lochbranside. Properties near Loch From Ballachar, open elevated The Proposed Development turbines
Ruthven views across Loch Ruthven, with would either be screened by
Properties including Millennium Wind Farm in the foreground vegetation (as from
inor inor
ow ow l
distance on the skyline to the Aberchalder) or barely perceptible in l -
Ballachar and -
m m - south-west and Farr and Glen the distance on the skyline (Ballacher). - R11 Aberarder. Kyllachy Wind Farms in the 22.6km Medium 1 - 15
distance to the east.
Negligible Negligible Negligible From Aberchalder views are Negligible more contained by landform and forestry.
August 2021 27
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Garthbeg, Mixed orientations with some The Proposed Development turbines Corriegarth Lodge main views north-west across would be noticeable in main/oblique
and nearby Loch Mhor; and some to the or side views on the skyline, in front of
properties. south-east and north-east. the Operational Development
Turbines of the Operational turbines, appearing larger in scale.
Properties setback
from the B862 road, Development are visible on the Nearby trees are likely to screen views oderate
R12 oderate m
skyline to the north-west, while 10.6km of the Proposed Development from Medium 16 - 18 m -
near the southern - Medium end of Loch Mhor. turbines of Corriegarth Wind the southern property by Corriegarth Medium
Farm are seen to the south-east. Lodge. Minor Nearby trees potentially screen Minor views to the north-west from a southern property by Corriegarth Lodge.
August 2021 28
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
A range of Mixed orientations and The Proposed Development would be properties on or in elevations with some main views seen in a range of views.
the vicinity of the west and north-west across Loch In a number of views, it would be
B862 minor public Ness and some to the south-east noticeable on the skyline in main road in the area and north-east. oblique or side views, next to the
near Whitebridge. oderate
Operational Development, extending oderate m Includes properties Some views are enclosed or the vertical and horizontal extent m between Gorthleck filtered by foreground trees, occupied by turbines, and noticeably to the north through such as those within larger in scale than the Operational
Whitebridge and Whitebridge. Development turbines.
down to Knockie From a small number of properties
Estate. VP 7 is (est. 4-6) where receptors have open edium
Where open views are edium oderate to locally to oderate
located on the B862 locally to oderate m
outlooks north-west, the Operational m m
experienced to the north-west, m -
south of Foyers, - to
Development turbines are barely to
within this grouping the Operational Development
turbines are visible in many Ranges perceptible due to screening from Ranges inor minor
of properties. A core m
from landform or forestry and the Proposed from low to
R13 path IN25.01 (Dell views on the skyline. 1 - 18 egligible
9.1km to Development would be a new medium- egligible
n
inor, inor, n
Lodge – Foyers) is m
10.6km noticeable addition to the view on the high m
also situated within Turbines of Corriegarth Wind skyline. this grouping, near Farm can be seen in some views However, in other views the Proposed Dell properties, to the south-east (for properties Development turbines would be
which is also part of from Ranges
north of Whitebridge), often from Ranges visible in elevated main views and may the South Loch Ness relatively large on the skyline, be partially screened by nearby trees
Trial. and Dunmaglass Wind Farm can egligiblethrough
and midground forestry and seen egligiblethrough
n n
be seen in some views to the adjacent to partially visible north-east, for properties north Operational Development. of VP 7. Turbines of Millennium Wind Farm are also visible in Elsewhere, such as in Whitebridge, the
some views seen to the south- Proposed Development turbines
Ranges from Ranges from Ranges west on the skyline, but in some would be screened by nearby views are screened by trees or woodland or turbine tips would be landform. perceptible in main/oblique views above forestry.
August 2021 29
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible2
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Knockie Estate Views largely enclosed by From the majority of enclosed Cottages, and woodland. Some properties have properties, the Proposed properties in the views of Loch Knockie, whilst Development turbines would largely
vicinity including others near the B862 road have not be visible or would be
Knockie Lodge Hotel views east across the road. From imperceptible due to screening from
Properties within property in more open context, nearby forestry.
wooded context some potentially open elevated In more open contexts, where the
oderate
oderate edium
near Loch Knockie views north-west towards Loch Proposed Development may be edium
m
m
m
egligible) egligible) egligible)
egligible)
m -
Ranging -
-
-
n n n Ness likely (including turbines of n
R14 (off the B862 road) 8.3km noticeable on the skyline, it would be from low to 1 - 18
ow
ow
l
inor l the Operational Development), inor and properties seen next to the Operational
medium m m situated by B862 although nearby trees may Development turbines but notably
junction with partially screen views. larger in scale. Views may be screened
Locally
Locally
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere Locally Locally
Knockie Estate, by trees, but it was not possible to Locally
including verify views from Knockie Lodge Hotel Knockcarrach, on site from publicly accessible areas. Wester Drummond. Also including Knockie Lodge Hotel. Keepers House, Views largely enclosed by nearby The Proposed Development turbines
Glendoe Lodge and trees, with some views of would be screened from main views
nearby buildings ridgelines above Loch Ness. by nearby trees. Properties north of Low- R15 10.9km 1 - 15
Borlum Hill. medium
Negligible Negligible
Negligible Negligible
August 2021 30
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
1.4 Routes Assessment
Table 1.4.1: Assessment of Views from Routes
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Low-level views, frequently There would be no view of the Main route enclosed by woodland and Proposed Development from the between Spean landform, with some open views majority of this route within the wider
Bridge/Roybridge over Loch Lochy and Loch Ness. study area, with some potential for
and Inverness very brief glimpsed views of tips in 4.8 – side views passing through A82 through the Great Medium 1 - 10
Glen. 16.9km Invermoriston (e.g. on the bridge),
Negligible Negligible Negligible although these would be largely Negligible screened by foreground vegetation. From the A82 near Drumnadrochit, foreground vegetation would also screen views.
August 2021 31
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Route between Mixture of views, including some There would be no perceptible views Milton and relatively open views over of the Proposed Development Kiltarlity through farmland and the broad valley of turbines from this route, due to Glen Convinth, Glen Convinth, as well as across screening from roadside vegetation. which extends moorland and lochans south of The occasional turbine tip may be
from near Ardblair. Travelling south visible, but from only one of two
Balchraggan to between these lochans, the road locations, where it is not possible to Drumnadrochit. slopes down on the approach to stop. They would therefore not be 13.6 – A833 Milton and occasional elevated perceived by receptors travelling this Medium 1 - 5 15.1km
views are experiences across to route.
Negligible Negligible
Negligible Negligible hillslopes to the south are glimpsed through roadside vegetation. Vegetation screens the majority of views and these become more enclosed by landform too on approaching Milton. A-road between Low level views mostly enclosed Although the Proposed Development Invermoriston and by surrounding forestry, with would not be visible from a large part Bun Loyne some more open scenic views of this route, some turbine tips would
across Glen Moriston around be perceptible for a short section to
Dundreggan and west of Torgyle the west of the site entrance (near
Bridge. Operational Bhlaraidh properties) next to the
Development turbines are visible Operational Development turbine tips
inor
ow
egligible)
egligible)
l
m
n n
from short sections of the route, where there are gaps in tree cover, Low- gible A887 3.2-20km 1 - 15
particularly from open areas extending the horizontal field of view medium
Negli Negligible
around Invermoriston and west occupied by turbines. Locally Locally Locally
of the site entrance., while Construction activity and traffic would (Elsewhere (Elsewhere turbines of Millennium Wind also be visible at the site entrance in (Elsewhere Farm are noticeable on the the short-term, seen from a short skyline from open sections of length of this route. road. OHL structures are also notable near Dundreggan.
August 2021 32
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
A-road between Variety of outlooks ranging from The Proposed Development turbines Invergarry to Loch enclosed views near Invergarry; would not be visible from the majority Duich to elevated views over Loch of this route. For a short section of the Garry and Loch Loyne, and along route near Bun Loyne, between VP 26 Loch Cluanie; to enclosed but and the northern part of Loch Loyne, dramatic views within Glen Shiel. the Proposed Development turbines
For the section between Loch would be perceptible on the distant
) ) )
Loyne and the junction with the skyline, seen behind and adjacent to )
A887 near Bun Loyne, views are the tips of the Operational
Development, slightly extending the inor
elevated and (for receptors inor
ow ow
egligible egligible
l egligible l egligible
m m
n n n 20.5 – horizontal and vertical field of view Low- n A87 travelling north) extend towards 1 - 18
distant uplands, where turbines 23.6km occupied by turbines. Nearby forestry medium Locally
of the Operational Development would occasionally screen these views. Locally
Locally Locally Locally
are perceptible on the skyline to
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere (Elsewhere (Elsewhere the east, occasionally screened (Elsewhere by nearby forestry. A steel lattice OHL is also visible on the skyline. Turbines of nearby Beinneun (and Extension) are also visible from short sections near Bun Loyne but in the opposite view, seen to the south.
August 2021 33
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
B-road that is A mix of open and enclosed The Proposed Development turbines partially single views, with extensive views from would be noticeable from some parts carriageway / some elevated points of this route, e.g. at Loch Tarff, single track road particularly north-east of Fort at/around VP 5, VP 7, and VP 17 from Fort Augustus Augustus (near VP5 Suidhe where the turbines would be seen in to Inverness via viewpoint) over glens and lochs, front of and adjacent to the Stratherrick and and more enclosed, framed Operational Development turbines
Dores, situated to scenic views near Loch extending the horizontal field of view
the east of Loch Duntelchaig. Views near Dores and appearing slightly taller. However,
Ness. The southern extend across Loch Ness. Wind for large sections of this route the edium
section is part of farms can be seen from parts of 9.5 – turbines would be screened by trees edium m
B862 Low 1 - 18 m
- - Minor National Cycle the route, including the 23.4km or landform. For receptors travelling Minor
Route 78. Some Operational Development to the along this route, for the most part, the
Low Low sections are also west and Corriegarth and Proposed Development turbines part of the South Dunmaglass Wind Farms on the would be seen in side-on views to the Loch Ness Trail, or eastern skyline. OHLs are visible direction of travel. From the area near to it (e.g. by from some sections too. around VP 17, they could be seen in Loch Tarff and oblique views for a short section when Whitebridge) and travelling south. the Trail of the Seven Lochs (e.g. near Torness) Dog Falls to Comar Views largely enclosed by trees The Proposed Development would be Route along lower but with some more open views screened from the majority of the
slopes of Beinn from clearings, where turbines route by trees, but may be perceptible
a’Chairein, to the of Corrimony and the in side views as tips on the skyline Core Operational Development may from a few open sections, although south-east of 10.8 – Path be seen in side views. forestry on the skyline is likely to Medium 1 - 10 Cannich, through 12km
IN05.11 screen these. Any visible tips would be
Negligible Negligible Negligible trees. This route is Negligible also a very small experienced alongside turbines of part of the Affric- Corrimony and tips of the Operational Kintail route. Development, which may be screened by trees too.
August 2021 34
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Kindrummond to From the B862, travelling For the open part of this route, closest
Dirr Wood eastwards, elevated views are to to the B862 road, the Proposed
Elevated route to the west and north-west over Development turbines would be
east of VP 17, from Loch Ness towards Urquhart Bay noticeable on the skyline to the west
B862 to Dirr and Drumnadrochit, with in front of the Operational
edium edium
egligible) egligible) m
Core Woods, on eastern Operational Development Development, similar to views from VP m
- - n 22.4 – n
Path turbines visible on skyline. 17, where the horizontal and vertical Medium 6 - 10 oderate (Elsewhereoderate
slopes of the Great (Elsewhereoderate
ow ow l
24.3km l
m m egligible)
Further east on this route, trees field of view occupied by turbines egligible) -
IN12.04 Glen, passing farm -
n n
buildings and of Dirr Woods enclose views. would be increased. Trees at Dirr
inor inor Locally
Woods would screen views from the Locally
m m (Elsewhere (Elsewhere through Dirr (Elsewhere Woods. This is also northern section of this route.
part of the Trail of Locally Locally the Seven Lochs. Locally Drumashie Moor At its southern end, views area Some views of the Proposed Route through enclosed by trees of Dirr Wood. Development from open sections of
woodland and More open views are the route in Drumashie Moor,
areas of open experienced from Drumashie perceptible in dip on skyline, in the
w ow
Moor, including some views over distance. Trees screen views from o l
scattered trees l
- -
crossing Dirr Wood Loch Ness. other sections of the route.
ble
i
egligible)
inor(Elsewhere inor(Elsewhere
Core and Drumashie egligible)
n
n m
23.8 – m -
Path Medium 6 - 15 - eglig
Moor, situated 28km egligible
n n egligible)
IN12.05 east of Dores. Part egligible)
n n
of this route near
egligible egligible
n n
Locally Locally (Elsewhere (Elsewhere
Drumashie Moor is (Elsewhere
part of the South
Loch Ness Trail and Locally Locally the Trail of the Locally Seven Lochs.
August 2021 35
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Drumashie to Views are enclosed by trees at From an open section of route near
Cullaird the northern end of route, and Drumashie, views of the Proposed
inor inor
ow ow l
Route from are open near Drumashie, Development turbines would be l
- -
m m -
General Wade’s looking across fields. perceptible in a dip on the skyline, in -
egligible) egligible) Core egligible)
the distance. Trees screen views from n n Military Road near 28.2 – n
Path Medium 1 - 15 e egligible
Drumashie, also 29.1km other sections of the route. egligible
n n
egligible egligible n IN12.06 part of the Trail of n
the Seven Lochs.
Locally Locally
(Elsewher
(Elsewhere Negligible) (Elsewhere
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere Locally Locally Locally
Cnoc a Bhuachaille Views largely enclosed by From a short open section of route,
Route within Glen woodland. Some open views the Proposed Development turbines
from a short, elevated section are likely to be perceptible in views to
Coiltie, to the
south-west of through clear-fell on the the south-west, in front of the
inor inor
ow ow
egligible) egligible)
egligible) l egligible)
Core Drumnadrochit. northern side of the glen, where Operational Development, but l
m m
n n n 9.2 – n Path the Operational Development is extending the horizontal and vertical Medium 1 - 15 11.4km
IN13.02 theoretically visible in a dip in field of view occupied by turbines.
Locally Locally Locally Locally the landform to the west, and Locally
where other wind farms may be
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere (Elsewhere
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere perceptible to the distant east and south-east.
August 2021 36
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Fort Augustus to Mixture of views, with majority From a few short open sections of the Glen Moriston by of views enclosed by trees within route (within the Beauly-Denny OHL old drove road (CP Inchnacardoch Forest. Open corridor and felled forestry), the IN16.16) and Fort elevated views are also Proposed Development turbines Augustus to experienced from short sections would be perceptible on the skyline,
Achlain or Torgyle of these routes within OHL adjacent to the Operational
Bridge (Glen corridors and areas of felled Development turbines, slightly
Core Moriston) (SHTs commercial forestry. From OHL extending the horizontal field of view
Path 260a and 260b) corridors, there are views of occupied by turbines, although
ow ow
egligible)
l egligible) IN16.16 l
steel lattice towers, in close turbines would be perceived to be the n n
11.3 – gible / SHT Low 1 - 18 Routes through proximity. To the south-west, 11.7km same scale from this route. Given the
260a Negligible
some views also extend across presence of the Operational Negli Locally and SHT Inchnacardoch Locally Forest, crossing Fort Augustus Substation and Development and other structures in
260b (Elsewhere (Elsewhere (Elsewhere the Beauly-Denny Auchterawe and Fort Augustus views, the change would be barely wayleave corridor settlements. To the north, views perceptible. to meet the A887 extend across Glen Moriston, in Glen Moriston at and in some sections the Torgyle Bridge or turbines of the Operational Achlain. Development are notable on the skyline.
Fair Haired Lad’s Mixture of views, with majority The Proposed Development turbines Pass enclosed by woodland. Some would either be screened by
Route on the open views from clearings with foreground trees along this route, or
views across Loch Ness. by landform in more open sections. Core eastern slopes of Loch Ness, near 15.1 – Very occasional glimpses of turbine Medium- Path 1 - 5 21.2km tips are unlikely as a result. High
IN17.01 VP8. Also part of
Negligible Negligible Negligible the South Loch Negligible Ness Trail and the Trail of the Seven Lochs.
August 2021 37
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Clansman Hotel to Mixture of views, from enclosed From most of this route, the Proposed Abriachan wooded views near the A82 and Development turbines would not be Route from A82 on west of Carn na Leitire, to open visible due to screening from
western shores of views near Balchraggan, with landform. From a short section near
)
views over Loch Ness. Elevated the peak of Carn na Leitire, the ) ) Loch Ness (south )
open views over the loch are Proposed Development turbines
of Balchraggan) to
Great Glen Way, also experienced from the slopes would be perceptible on the skyline, in
inor inor
ow ow
egligible egligible
egligible l egligible
Core passing Carn na of Carn na Leitire. The front and adjacent to the Operational l
m m
n n n 15.8 – n
Path Operational Development is Development turbines, extending the Medium 1 - 15 y Leitire. 20.8km
IN22.03 visible from the upper south- vertical and horizontal field of view
Locally Locally Locall west facing slopes of Carn na occupied by turbines. Locally
Leitire. From the south-east
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere (Elsewhere
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere facing slopes, turbines of Farr, Glen Kyllachy, Dunmaglass, Corriegarth and Stronelairg Wind Farms are also visible in the distance, across Loch Ness. Garthbeg to Open views over fields and The Proposed Development turbines Errogie, south side moorland with main views would be visible from most of this of Loch Mhor focussed along the route and route in views across the loch in side Marked route across Loch Mhor towards or oblique views, in front of the
running on the forested hills in the midground Operational Development turbines
eastern side of and distant uplands. The and appearing larger in scale. Turbines
Core Loch Mhor, also Operational Development would be noticeable near Garthbeg, edium
11.6 – edium m
Path part of the Trail of turbines are visible from a large with visibility gradually reducing when Medium 1 - 18 m
- - Minor 17.2km Minor
IN25.02 the Seven Lochs section of this route, and travelling north, as some turbines Low Trail. Millennium Wind Farm can also would be hidden by landform. Further Low be seen on the skyline to the north, turbines would be perceptible. south-west. Corriegarth Wind Farm turbine blades are occasionally visible to the south- east behind nearby hills.
August 2021 38
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Tomatin to From Upper Knockchoilum to The Proposed Development turbines Whitebridge (SHT west of Garrogie Lodge views are would be perceptible in filtered views 231) and Laggan to mostly enclosed within forestry, from a small section of this route, near Whitebridge (SHT opening up slightly before Loch Upper Knockchoilum, where a few 235) Killin, where there are views additional hubs and tips may be visible
SHT 235 and SHT across the glen to nearby hills. on the skyline adjacent to the
231 both run The Operational Development Operational Development, although turbines are visible near the likely to be partially screened by trees
between the B862
near Whitebridge B862 and Upper Knockchoilum. in the foreground. Some views of the
ow
ow ow
egligible) l egligible)
SHTs l n Route 235 passes through 10.6 – Proposed Development would also be n 231 and and (the site of) Low 1 - 18 Stronelairg Wind Farm, and 26.8km obtained from a very short section
235 Stronelairg Lodge,
Negligible Negligible Locally where they diverge Millennium and Corriegarth west of Garrogie Lodge and on SHT Locally
to Laggan (SHT Wind Farms are also seen from 235 near VP16, where the Operational
Elsewhere Elsewhere (Elsewhere (Elsewhere 235) and Tomatin here in the distance to the west Development is visible on the skyline ( (SHT 231). and north. behind nearby Stronelairg Wind Farm turbines, which occupy a large part of the view. On all other sections of these SHTs, the Proposed Development would not be visible.
Laggan to Mixture of views, of river valleys From elevated open locations
Whitebridge and elevated open views across between north of Creag Dhubh and
) )
) )
Route following moorland. Majority of views Coire Shesgnan, the Proposed
inor inor m
the Corrieyairick feature the nearby steel lattice Development turbines would be m
- - edium
Pass and section of OHL (Beauly-Denny OHL) in close visible, seen in the context of a nearby edium
egligible egligible
egligible egligible
m m
- -
n n n SHT proximity, and from elevated 15.4 – OHL. From most of these locations, n
General Wade’s Low 1 - 18
ow ow l
236a locations, turbines of the 21.9km they would be seen adjacent to the l egligible
Military Road, egligible n south of Fort Operational Development, Operational Development turbines, n
Augustus to Beinneun (and Extension) and but from a few short stretches, would
Locally Locally
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere (Elsewhere
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere Locally Locally Laggan. Millennium Wind Farms in the be seen alone. From Coire Shesgnan Locally distance. south to Laggan, there would be no views of the Proposed Development.
August 2021 39
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Glen Affric to Loch Views of woodlands near Loch From some elevated sections of this Mullardoch Dam Beinn a’Mheadhoin; steep rocky route at the summit of Toll Creagach
by the Allt Toll slopes of Toll Creagach, and Allt (see VP 21) and part of the route by
Easa Toll Easa watercourse. Elevated Allt Toll Easa, the Proposed
) )
) ) inor
Route from Loch views as the route climbs, across Development turbines would be inor
m m
-
Beinn a’ hilltops, with lochs seen below visible behind and adjacent to the -
ow ow
egligible egligible
egligible egligible l
Mheadhoin to and wind turbines in surrounding Operational Development, extending l
n n n 17.4 – Low- n SHT 268 views, including turbines of the the horizontal field of view occupied 1 - 18
Bealach Toll Easa 21.3km medium egligible
Operational Development, by turbines, seen in the context of egligible n
and Toll Creagach n
Locally Locally (VP 21) and north Corrimony, Corriegarth, several other wind developments. The
Dunmaglass, Stronelairg, turbines would appear similar in scale (Elsewhere (Elsewhere
to Loch (Elsewhere
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere Locally Locally Mullardoch. Millennium, Beinneun (and to the Operational Development. Locally Extension), Moy, Farr and Glen The Proposed Development would not Kyllachy. be seen from the majority of this route.
August 2021 40
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
Long distance Varied views of the Great Glen, From the majority of this route, there recreational route including some elevated open would be no view of the Proposed from Fort William views from high level route Development. to Inverness with sections over glens and distant Theoretical visibility of the Proposed high level and low hills with occasional areas of Development turbines is indicated in a level options. forestry. few short sections of the Great Glen This route follows To the north of Invermoriston, Way: near Invermoriston; north-east Core Path IN22.02 this includes views of the of Drumnadrochit near the A82 and (Abriachan to Operational Development to the Tychalt; and on a track and minor road Drumnadrochit) west, in close proximity, in views C1060, including around VP 10.
and the C1060 looking along Glen Moriston. As In reality, due to tree screening, the
minor road the route travels south from
Proposed Development would be
(Dunain-Blackfold- Invermoriston, some very short screened or barely perceptible from
Abriachan). intermittent open views feature the north-east of Drumnadrochit near
oderate oderate edium
The Great Glen the Operational Development the A82 and Tychalt; the south of edium
m m
egligible)
egligible) egligible)
m m
egligible ) ) egligible -
Great -
- -
n
n n turbine blades on the skyline. 3.5 – n
Glen Way also Invermoriston; and part of a track and Medium 1 - 18
ow ow
l l inor From the section near VP 10 27.1km inor
Way comprises part of C1060 minor road between Loch Laide m the Loch Ness 360° (between Loch Laide and the to Blackfold. m
Trail. C1060 near Blackfold), views are The Proposed Development would
Locally Locally
(Elsewhere (Elsewhere (Elsewhere
(Elsewhere
(Elsewhere Locally Locally enclosed by forestry south of however be noticeable in side and Locally Ladycairn, but are open and long oblique views from part of the high ranging near VP 10. Here, level route between Invermoriston panoramic views include the and the watercourse Allt Saigh, Operational Development to the including near Achnaconeran and south-west, but in distant views at/around the ‘Viewcatcher’ sculpture, on the skyline. Fairburn, and around Loch a’Bhealaich. In these Corriemoillie and Lochluichart sections, turbines would be seen on Wind Farms can also be seen to the skyline in close proximity, in front the north-west and north in the of and next to the Operational far distance near VP 10. Development. Several hubs would be More enclosed views are visible and appear larger than the experienced where the route Operational Development turbines
August 2021 41
Bhlaraidh Wind Farm Extension TA 8.6: Visual Assessment Tables Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Magnitude Effect
Distance
No. of to Name / Location / Visual turbines Ref. Nature of Existing View nearest Nature of Change Type / Context Sensitivity theoretically visible
visible Operation
turbine Operation
Construction Construction
passes through or near of view occupied by turbines. woodland, for example south of The Proposed Development turbines Invermoriston. Other wind farms would also be visible from a stretch of can be seen from some sections the C1060 minor road (Dunain – of the route. Blackfold – Abriachan) near VP 10,
seen on the relatively distant horizon
with the Operational Development.
On the route south of Invermoriston, there would be some small glimpses of the Proposed Development turbines, in the context of the Operational Development turbines on the skyline, and mostly screened by foreground trees.
August 2021 42