Moray Firth communities warn wind project will threaten jobs, wildlife and safety

Communities fear a green energy project could destroy businesses and wildlife along a 20-mile stretch of the Moray Firth coastline.

An agreement has paved the way for a project that could see wind turbine parts temporarily anchored en route to locations out at sea.

Fishermen have warned that it would pose a serious safety risk, while tourism operators are worried about the visual impact.

The project promises to create 1,200 jobs.

Burghead fisherman David King said: “If we were to go to sea and then a freak event happened, the wind got up or whatever, we can’t just take our normal tracks from A to B straight back to the harbour. We’ve got to divert right round that.

“So, if the wind’s in a northerly direction, then that’s everybody’s life at risk aboard the boat.”

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Fellow fisherman Dean Cowie said: “At the end of the day, it’s livelihoods it’s going to cost. It’s businesses that it’s going to ruin as well as the local economy. Jobs will be lost, boats will end up being sold. Businesses will be finished.”

As news of the proposal spread in recent weeks, complaints were heard right along the coastline from Nairn to Burghead. There has also been frustration at a perceived lack of public consultation.

Developer Offshore Solutions Group (OSG) declined to speak to STV News in an interview.

Instead, it issued a statement saying a full environmental impact assessment was being conducted and that a formal public consultation process would start in early 2026.

The FLOW-park, it said, would reuse existing marine anchorage areas and be used for temporary seasonal storage only, focused on the winter months.

Information, it said, had been shared with relevant MPs, MSPs and local councillors.

Crown Estate Scotland, a public corporation that manages the coastline, passes profits to the Scottish Government.

In a statement, it said: “We have a range of early-stage coastal agreements that allow potential development to be explored through site surveys and local engagement by the developer with stakeholders.

“Such early-stage agreements do not mean that a proposal will go ahead and during this initial scoping phase other activities – including fishing – can continue.

“If a developer subsequently decides to submit a formal consent application, that would trigger a full process of consultation and input from Scottish Government regulators.

“Such a process would ensure that local people and other stakeholders have a formal opportunity to share their views with the appropriate authorities.

“We actively encourage project developers to undertake early engagement with other seabed users and local stakeholders.

“It is our understanding that the developer met with several fishing groups, including the Scottish White Fish Producers Association, in August 2025.”

'Save Our Sealife': Protesters write message in the sand — ‘Save Our Sealife’: Protesters write message in the sand STV News

Communities have also voiced concerns about the project’s possible impacts on tourism and wildlife.

Residents from along the Firth took part in a beach protest at Findhorn in which they spelt out the message “Save our sealife” in 60ft letters.

Barry Paskins, who owns Moray Firth Fishing Charters, envisaged whales getting caught up in anchor chains.

Murray Sampson of Moray Firth Windsports fears “ruination” of local beaches.

Jane Campbell Morrison, also of Findhorn Watersports, said: “People come here to enjoy the blue space, to enjoy recreational activities, to enjoy lessons.

“That’s all in jeopardy because we’re going to have what could be described as monstrosities parked off the entrance to our bay.”

OSG has been invited to outline its vision at a public meeting at the Universal Hall in Findhorn on November 11. The event will be relayed to Nairn’s community centre.