PICTURES: Camster II wind turbine parts transported through Wick
Deliveries of large turbine parts for Camster II wind farm are under way – making use of road-widening work that has involved the demolition of a cottage in Wick.
Renewable energy company RWE, which is developing the wind farm on a site north-west of Tannach Hill, has apologised to motorists for any traffic hold-ups.
The turbine components are being taken by ship to Wick harbour and then transported through the town, with deliveries expected to take place until the end of July.
Peter Sutherland, from Golspie, was on hand to photograph the first of the deliveries as haulage contractors took their heavy loads from the harbour, along Martha Terrace and up River Street, over the Bridge Street mini-roundabout and on to Station Road and Bankhead Road.
Road-widening operations had been carried out at the top of Station Road, near Caithness General Hospital, and at the corner of Bankhead Road and Thurso Road, in advance of the deliveries.
The work involved the demolition of the Victorian-era Bankhead Cottage to eliminate a sharp bend, allowing easier access to the A882.
Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner, whose ward is Wick and East Caithness, pointed out recently that Bankhead Cottage had been purchased by RWE in 2008. He also noted that trees in the location had been removed but said new ones will be planted.
RWE was given the go-ahead for Camster II in July 2021 after an appeal to the Scottish Government was upheld. Ten turbines are being built, with a tip height of 126.5 metres, apart from one which is slightly smaller.
The site is close to RWE’s existing Camster Wind Farm which has 25 turbines.
As previously reported, a spokesperson for RWE said: “We expect most of the deliveries to be completed by July 31.
“Due to the sizeable load of the deliveries, some alterations have been made at certain points along the route to enable the components to pass through.
“At all times, the convoy will be accompanied by support vehicles from the delivery partner and Police Scotland.
“Police Scotland vehicles will ensure local traffic is held in place at key points along the delivery route, allowing the convoy to pass safely.
“We realise that any deliveries will affect the surrounding community. We apologise in advance for any potential delays that you may encounter on the delivery days, and we hope that this is only temporary.”
When completed, Camster II will be capable of producing up to 36MW of electricity. Once operational, the wind farm will generate £180,000 of community funding each year.
