Yes, there is still an opportunity to object to Dersalloch. First proposed in 2005, objected to by South Ayrshire, the plans remain before the Scottish Government: now you have a final (?) opportunity to air your views.

Representations on an “Addendum” have been invited. The addendum concerns the impact of the Dersalloch wind farm on the Dark Sky Park and the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory. A lot of the discussion is about whether infra-red lights on the turbines will interfere with astronomical observations (the expert advice seems to be that they probably won’t). HOWEVER, there are still important technical issues to be resolved (will air turbulence cause poor visibility? If that sounds crazy – click on the thumbnail to see a photo of what could happen… will the shadow of the turbines occlude the night sky?) and the bigger issue of the effect of Dersalloch wind farm on Dark Sky tourism and indeed tourism in general is also up for discussion: we certainly feel that Dersalloch would be a disaster for both Dark Sky tourism for the Observatory, and for tourism to the Galloway Forest in general.

Representations on the Dark Sky issues will be considered by the Reporter (who then advises Ministers). But, as well as commenting on these specific issues, you can add any comments you wish on the whole Dersalloch proposal – and these will be considered by Scottish Ministers.

We have prepared a “how to object page” – click here to be redirected.

Have a look at what is under threat: not just Straiton and Blairquhan, but the Dark Sky Park, and the landscapes around Loch Doon: just click here or on the thumbnail to see some striking images of just how beautiful and worth-protecting this area is.

Before you object, by all means have a look at the Non-Technical summary (includes maps) of 2012 and the technical reports which form “Addendum III”. Download them here:

1. Dersalloch Non-technical summary

2. ScottishPower Renewables AEI report

3. Report by Professor Woan

Also…

If you want to see the original press advertisement in the Edinburgh Gazette asking for public representations, click here.

The Scottish Government’s page on Dersalloch has some other relevant documentation.

Just to remind you…

The Dersalloch wind farm would consist of 23 turbines: seven at 115m and sixteen at 125m to blade tip.

The site is Dersalloch Hill, between Straiton and Dalmellington: it would sit on the high ground behind and beyond the Monument – just to the left of the monument as you look at it from Maybole. The wind farm would be parallel to the Straiton-Dalmellington B741, and dominate the whole of that road.

The nearest turbine to Straiton is 2.3km away (measured to the War memorial) and 2.2km (measured to the primary school). Click on the map below to see the detail…