Inquiry begins into plan to re-power Skye's Ben Aketil wind farm
A public inquiry is examining plans to redevelop a wind farm in north west Skye.
Energy firm Nadara has proposed replacing 12 turbines installed at Ben Aketil Wind Farm, near Dunvegan, 18 years ago with five turbines twice the height of the existing ones.
It also plans to extend the site to the south with up to four more turbines. The machines would all have a maximum blade tip height of up to 200m (656ft).
Islanders opposed to the project say it is one of a number of large industrial projects due to take place across Skye over the next five to 10 years.
Rhona Coogan, a member of Broadford and Strath Community Council, said too much major development was happening at the same time.
Earlier this month, controversial plans to upgrade 99 miles (160km) of overhead powerline through Skye and to the Scottish mainland were approved by the Scottish government.
She told BBC Naidheachdan: "I recently attended a meeting in Beauly of over 50 community councils of the Highland Council region.
"The outcome of this convention was an agreement that we need to ask the Scottish government for a pause in all infrastructure projects until we have a clear plan of what we need to achieve."
Nadara said re-powering Ben Aketil would bring the site's installed capacity to about 59.4MW.
It said the farm would help Scotland meet its targets for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Finley Becks-Phelps, Nadara's UK head of development, said the company was listening to local opinions.
He said the scheme would bring increased community benefit funds for surrounding areas.
Mr Becks-Phelps said: "We will be looking to put forward £5,000 per megawatt, which will be a significant increase on what the current contribution is.
"We do want to genuinely work with the community."
In April, Highland councillors agreed to maintain their opposition to the modernisation of the wind farm due to concerns it would have adverse environmental and visual impacts.
In a report, council officials said the development could spoil views along an area of "dynamic coastline".
