SSE Renewables has announced a programme of environmental restoration works for Thurso in Caithness, designed to mitigate work required to facilitate the upcoming transport of wind turbine components.

Starting Monday, 20 October, works will begin to remove 26 trees along a stretch of woodland next to Forss Road. A number of the trees scheduled for removal have been identified as already being in a state of decline.

In response to the removals, SSE Renewables has outlined an expanded hardwood tree replanting programme scheduled for spring 2026.

The company plans to replace all removed trees on a two-for-one basis, resulting in the planting of at least 60 replacement trees—double the number being cleared, subject to landowner confirmations. The new trees will be of the same broad-leaf species as those being removed.

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Planting will take place principally in the grounds of Forss House Hotel, and along the roadside edge of Forss Wood alongside the A836. Once completed, this programme will result in a larger number of trees in the woodland area, representing a net gain in local biodiversity and enhancing community amenity.

Michael Scott, Strathy South Project Manager at SSE Renewables, said: "By doubling the number of hardwood trees in this stretch of area, we will leave a positive legacy for the community and for future generations. We would like to express our thanks to local landowners, public representatives, and The Highland Council for their assistance in the development of these expanded replanting plans."

The works follow extensive arboricultural and environmental surveys conducted over the last 18 months, which helped to strictly limit the final number of trees to be removed and ensure appropriate environmental mitigation is in place.

Delivery of the turbine components will be handled by a specialist contractor and conducted under police escort, with advance notice provided to the community to minimise inconvenience.