Revised proposals for a £30m wind farm development in Caithness have been unveiled.

According to STV, the scheme at Spittal Hill will see up to eight turbines constructed just over 2km north east of the village. This is a significantly smaller project that the initial plan of 30 turbines, with a total installed capacity of 75MW.

The announcement follows a recent report which highlighted that 90% of current energy industry jobs in the north of the Highlands will no longer exist by 2025. As a result, this will put more pressure on new work coming from the renewable oil and gas sector in Caithness.

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Tom Pottinger from Spittal Hill Windfarm Ltd said: "Spittal Hill Wind Farm could generate enough electricity to meet the annual average needs of more than 17,000 homes. It could also offset more than 31,000 tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide emissions each year, helping to tackle climate change.

"We are through this process committed to ensuring that the local community is given the opportunity to benefit significantly from wind farm both through direct local employment opportunities and a substantial benefit fund of up to £3 million to support local initiatives.

"The development provides an excellent opportunity to deliver tangible long-term economic, social and environmental benefits to the local area and we look forward to engaging with the community over the next few months."

(JP/CD)