SAFETY concerns have been raised about above average radiation levels at a proposed wind farm development site in Aberdeenshire.

Renewable energy company RES are seeking to erect 16 onshore wind turbines on the Hill of Fare, with a planning application already submitted to Scottish Government ministers.

However, local campaigners against the development claim the project puts the health of locals at risk due to “above average radiation levels” recorded at the Hill of Fare back in the 1960s and 70s.

Frank Murray, a campaigner for the Hill of Fare Windfarm Information Group, said: “A key area that the developers, global renewable power generators, RES, have failed to consider is the health, safety, and environmental issues of Hill of Fare’s high radiation levels.

“In particular, the impact of intrusive construction work and what this would mean for residents, watercourses, and environment – but also for the workforce.

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“Information that we have been made aware of shows that successive governments since the 1970s have been aware of and assessed the potential of harnessing uranium deposits at Hill of Fare and its wider radiogenic properties.”

The group cite surveys undertaken by the Institute of Geological Sciences between 1968 and 1973, which found that the Hill of Fare had above average natural radiation levels.

Campaigners say this could be an indication of uranium and that construction work could put the health of locals at risk.

They also point to a feasibility report into geothermal energy undertaken by the Scottish Government’s energy and climate change directorate in 2016.

The report noted that the “granite is reported to have moderately elevated concentrations of radiogenic elements at outcrop, raising the possibility that it is, or is close to being, a body of High Heat Production granite and therefore has the potential to provide above-background levels of geothermal energy”.

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Murray added: “RES has made no mention of the potential challenges and impact of Hill of Fare’s radiation levels.

“What guarantees can be made about the safety of our water courses? Will our drinking water and air be contaminated with radiological matter during blasting?

“What protective measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of any future workforce? What will happen to the industrial and potentially contaminated waste?”

A spokesperson for RES said: 

"The proposed wind farm at Hill of Fare was thoroughly scoped prior to the application submission and radiation has not been raised as a matter for concern by any statutory consultee. 

"The Section 36 Application for this wind farm is currently with the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit and is open for consultation. 

"As part of this consultation process, we have already received a response from Scottish Water, who have not objected. 

"The protection of existing watercourses and private water supplies is of the upmost importance to RES and, if required, appropriate mitigation measures agreed with the relevant statutory consultees would be put in place. 

"The Hill of Fare Wind Farm is predicted to deliver £150 million boost to the local economy and contribute to Scotland’s renewable energy targets."