Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
Viewpoint 21: Cairnpapple Hill
Figure Number: VP-21
Grid Reference NS 897 717 Elevation 312m AOD
Bearing 334º Direction of View: North west
LCT: Lowland Hills LCU: Bathgate Hills
Distance to nearest
proposed turbine:
20.78km
Existing Cumulative
visibility:
Craigengelt WF
Earlsburn WF
Black Hill WF
Location:
The viewpoint is taken from the Cairnpapple Hill on top of the concrete dome. The viewpoint is situated 20.78km to the
south of the site at an elevation of 312m AOD. Cairnpapple Hill is just 1.2km north of Bathgate, near to Edinburgh.
Context:
Cairnpapple was used from about 3,000 BC to 1400 BC firstly as a ceremonial site then several centuries later as a
burial site. It is situated on the summit of Cairnpapple Hill with views over central Scotland, and as far as Arran to the
west and to the Bass Rock in the east on a clear day.
Receptor Type:
The hill is popular with tourists, ‘Beecraigs and Cairnpapple Hill’ Cycle Route users from Linlithgow
Existing View:
The high position of the viewpoint affords an almost 360 degree landscape view. The view northwards towards the
proposed site is a high elevated open panorama with the Ochil Hills on the horizon. To the north east can be seen the
arches of the Forth Bridge, the Firth of Forth with the Southern Highlands on the horizon. To the south the Pentland
Hills are visible on the far horizon. To the south west and the west is the large expanse of the open, undulating
Lowland Plateaux. To the north west the Lowland Hills rise on the horizon.
The gently sloping terrains of the Bathgate Hills with large scale coniferous woodlands running along hilltops are
prominent features on the foreground view. The Lochcote Reservoir is seen on the slope of Cow Hill in direct view.
Beyond the elevated foreground the flame stacks of Grangemouth focus the view. The floodplain of the River Forth
spreads behind stretching to the Ochil Hills. Longannet power Station stands out as a recognizable landmark beside
the river. The dense band of settlements of the Falkirk-Denny Urban Fringe is distinguishable to the west of
Grangemouth.
The visibility of the proposal site:
Due to the distance the proposal site is not visible from the viewpoint. The Alloa Work’s chimneys as the reference
features are not visible.
Visual detractors:
Longannet Power Station; Grangemouth Oil Refinery chimneys, Radio Station Mast on Cairnpapple Hill
Landscape Designations:
Cairnpapple is a monument of national importance.
The Bathgate Hills and River Avon valley AGLV.
Viewpoint Sensitivity to the proposed wind energy development: :
The landscape sensitivity of this location is considered to be medium.
The visual sensitivity of this location is considered to be high.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 58
Copyright Partnerships for Renewables Development Co. Ltd 2010 ©