Project Information
The area was first identified in late 2013 by Arise through early feasibility assessments which identified the potential for a large-scale wind development in the area.
Initially, the whole site was considered, but the preliminary surveys highlight several key constraints on the southern part of the land holding. Through further site investigation, the area where the proposed development is now located was identified. Although this site had been identified many years ago it only became technically and economically viable when SSEN announced their plans to upgrade the electricity transmission system from the mainland to Skye – the Skye Reinforcement Project.
The proposed development site forms part of the Fearann Eilean Iarmain estate on common grazing crofted by Breacais Ard and Breacais Local. The site is located on the Isle of Skye, approximately 6 km west of the Skye Bridge and close to the A87, just south of the Breakish settlement. It lies between the A861 and Glen Arroch Road and is bounded to the south by a forest edge and to the north by a line of pylons crossing the moorland about 1 km south of the A87.
The area consists of gently sloping moorland and is on lower ground than the many well-known mountains on Skye and on the mainland. The south-eastern boundary of the site corresponds to the break of slope between the sloping moorland of the site and steeper forested ground leading up to the range of hills that form the south-eastern edge of Skye from Kylerhea to Sleate. The site location is approximately 2.5 km from the coast north of Breakish.
Timeline
The timeline for the Breakish Wind Farm will be updated once timescales relating to the UK-wide grid reform become clearer.
Like every large scale electricity genereation project within the UK, Breakish Wind Farm is influenced by the National Electricity System Operator’s (NESO) Grid Reform programme. In particular, we await information regarding NESO’s Strategic Spatial Energy Plan, which will provide a forward outlook about when the project can be connected to Scotland’s high voltage power grid.
Environmental Benefits
At Arise, we believe that it’s vital to conserve and help increase the biodiversity of any area they are developing in. Sustainability is evaluated throughout the development process. We are committed to ensuring that the proposed development leaves a positive impact not only on the site but also on the wider local area.
From several years of environmental studies, we have gained an in-depth knowledge of not only the proposed development area, but the entire landholding which is aiding us in preparing an Outline Habitat Management and Restoration and Biodiversity Enhancement Plan. This will outline the sustainable environmental benefits that will help to restore and increase the biodiversity net gain of the area and leave a positive legacy for the future. This will be submitted with the Section 36 application.
Why We Need ‘Net Gain for Nature’
Biodiversity enhancement contributes to the recovery of nature when land is developed. For Breakish Wind Farm, this means that not only will the site be restored after construction, but the habitat will be improved on other areas of the landholding making sure that overall, the area will be in a better state than it was before development took place. A key part of part of our biodiversity enhancement plan is therefore to restore these areas.
Benefits of Restoring Peat
- Enhanced habitat for wildlife
- Improving its ability to store carbon
- Improved water retention of land
Biodiversity Enhancement Plans
- Broadleaf woodland regeneration to provide increased habitat connectivity.
- Riparian woodland planting to improve habitat for bats, otters, birds, fish.
- Provision of diver rafts to create further off-site habitat for divers and minimise potential displacement impacts.