Viking seeks planning permission for new windspeed masts

Viking Energy is hoping to erect temporary masts on the proposed windfarm site to help it gather extra information on windspeeds in the area.

An application has been lodged with the council’s planning department for four masts in total, measuring from 60 to 70 metres in height.

The company hopes two of the masts will go up near Voe, with the others sited at Scallafield in Weisdale and Runn Hill in Nesting.

Project manager Aaron Priest said the masts would provide new information on windspeeds in parts of the site which, until now, have not been fully explored.

“We’ve concentrated on some areas for wind data up until now, but there are other areas we would like to examine,” he said. “It is standard practice for any windfarm development.”

The masts will be erected in the Spring should planning consent be granted.