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Achany Extension

(formerly Glencassley)

On Monday 23rd May 2023 the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit approved SSE Renewables Section 36 application for the wind farm extension. A link to the application on the Scottish Government's website is here.

A section 36C application to vary the consent was submitted to the Energy Consents Unit on 24th October . This now sits with the Scottish Government and both local and statutory consultees for assessment and consideration. A link to the application on the Scottish Government’s website is here

The proposed Achany Extension Wind Farm (formerly known as Glencassley) would be constructed on land adjacent to SSE Renewables’ operational Achany Wind Farm, approximately 4.5 kilometres (km) north of the village of Rosehall and 11km north-west of Lairg.

It is anticipated to generate in excess of 80 Megawatts (MW) while Achany’s existing 19 turbines already generate 38MW of renewable energy, meaning the combined capacity could generate in excess of 118MW.

Achany Extension at a glance

Potential generation capacity
> MW
Consented turbines

Section 36C Application

Since the project’s consent in May 2023, our project team has been working to progress the project towards construction; however, due to a range of economic challenges, it was determined that it will not be possible to progress the project in its current consented form. 

Following a detailed project feasibility study and re-design, SSE has now submitted an application to vary the consent for the Achany Extension Wind Farm Development. The variation requests an increase in the tip height of the turbines to increase the energy output from the site. The turbine locations for remain unchanged from the Consented Development. The Varied Development application was submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) in October 2025. 

This application is supported by a robust comparative Environmental Impact Assessment, new surveys and visuals where appropriate. Consultation with both the ECU through an official scoping request, and with local stakeholders at two public exhibitions has also been undertaken.

Project history

In 2012 SSE submitted an application for a 26-turbine wind farm. This application was subsequently refused by the Scottish Government in 2015 due to impacts on the National Scenic Area and ‘Wild Land’ despite the support of The Highland Council.

With the renewed appetite for onshore wind in Scotland and in the context of the ‘Climate Emergency’, SSE concluded that this site continued to offer excellent potential for a wind farm.

Achany Extension was redesigned and relocated a further 2km from previous proposals, closer to the existing wind farms, which also brought operational benefits in managing and maintaining the sites. The reuse of existing site infrastructure was incorporated into the design, allowing access to the extension through the existing site. A Section 36 application was submitted in July 2021.

In December 2021, the Highland Council unanimously agreed to raise ‘no objection’ to Achany Extension, subject to the removal of 2 turbines. Additional Information was submitted to the Highland Council and the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit, which included an assessment of any environmental changes or impact that would result from a revised 18 turbine scheme.

Section 36C Application – October 2025

The application’s documents can be found on this webpage, via the links below, or on the ECU’s website here, using application reference number ECU00006178

Additional Information – May 2022

The application documents can be found on this webpage, via the links below, or on the Scottish Governments Energy Consent Unit's website here, using application reference number ECU00001930.

Section 36 Application – July 2021

The application documents can be found on this webpage, via the links below, or on the Scottish Governments Energy Consent Unit's website here, using application reference number ECU00001930.

The Achany Community Fund

Through our existing 38MW Achany Wind Farm we make around £100,000 per year available for community and charitable causes. Between 2010 and 2034 we expect to invest £2.9 million in local projects.

An additional £19,000 per year is also made available to support the Kyle of Sutherland Apprenticeship Scheme.

You can learn more about the Achany Community Fund, eligibility and how to apply here.

The proposed Achany Extension will also include a community fund which would be granted locally and across The Highland Council area through the already well-established SSE Renewables’ community investment programme. This will be in line with SSE Renewables' current policy of £5,000 per MW for new onshore wind projects.

Contact us

If you have any queries or wish to speak with the project team, please contact:

Eilidh Edgar, Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Email: Eilidh.Edgar@SSE.com

Phone: 07879992917