A series of public consultations are to be held this week in relation to the Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm project.

Organised by Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd (BOWL), the events will allow the local community to view and comment on the planning application for the scheme. The application covers the onshore transmission work connected with the Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm project.

Located in the Outer Moray Firth, around 13.5km from the Caithness Coast, the Beatrice Offshore wind farm is expected to connect to the national grid in Moray. The offshore cable has been proposed to land at Portgordon, and from there, is expected to connect at Blackhillock substation, near Keith, via underground cables.

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In February last year, Moray Council approved an application for planning permission in principal for the proposed grid route. BOWL has now submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for a detailed planning application for the grid route. This is expected to be submitted to Moray Council's planning department early next year.

The consultation events will be held on:

• Wednesday 19 November

Portgordon Sports and Community Centre, Portgordon, from 4pm to 8pm.

• Thursday 20 November

Longmore Hall, Banff Road, Keith, from 4pm to 8pm.

Kirstanne McDowall, Community Liaison Manager for BOWL, said: "Progressing a detailed planning application for the BOWL grid route marks another important milestone in the progress of the Beatrice Offshore wind farm project. We look forward to engaging with local residents in relation to our plans and hearing their feedback on the project."

(JP/CD)