Campaign gathers momentum on Findhorn shore
Opponents of a proposed industrial storage site in the Moray Firth staged another public engagement event on Findhorn’s north beach, as efforts continue to raise awareness of plans to temporarily moor floating offshore wind turbine foundations off the Moray coast.
The community group, No To The Moray Firth FLOW‑Park, hosted a ‘Yoga By The Sea’ session on Saturday 11 July, drawing more than 30 people to the shoreline. Organisers said 17 participants took part in the yoga, with others joining conversations about their concerns over Offshore Solutions Group’s (OSG) proposed facility.
“We had a bit of fun while handing out leaflets and making people aware of the proposals,” said group spokesman Alastair Macdonald. “Although it was a cooler blustery day, there was a successful yoga session and we received some great donations towards our campaign funds.”
Mr Macdonald said the beach gathering was part of a broader programme of outreach intended to reach people who may be unfamiliar with the proposal. He added that the group’s events “help us meet different cross sections of society”.
Concerns over consultation and environmental scrutiny
According to campaigners, the FLOW‑Park would be used to temporarily anchor large floating turbine foundations before they are deployed to offshore wind farms. The group says an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Moray Firth is under way. They also questioned how widely the developer has engaged with affected stakeholders.
“A lot of people still don’t know the proposal is happening, so we are doing as much as possible to spread the word,” Mr Macdonald said. “OSG say they have been consulting with the fishing community and other groups but we have not seen much evidence of that. If they have, they have been very selective.”
OSG has previously stated it intends to consult with community and industry interests. The campaigners’ comments underline a growing demand for clarity over the scope of engagement and the status of environmental studies. InfoRadar has set out the group’s position as reported at the event; the developer’s latest update was not available at the time of publication.
Summer outreach across Moray and the Firth coast
Organisers have used a run of summer events to speak directly with residents, visitors and coastal users. Alongside Saturday’s beach session, the group has staffed information stalls and attended local gatherings to discuss the project and distribute new leaflets, which include QR codes for sign‑ups and further reading.
- Spoke with attendees at Nairn Sailing Club open day in May
- Ran a stall at the Cooper Park Family Fun Day in Elgin in June
- Engaged visitors at the Forres Highland Games earlier this month
- Attended Findhorn Fair on Sunday 19 July
The group says these appearances have enabled them to reach “hundreds” of people. They plan another beach‑based outreach event at Roseisle on 30 August.
What the proposal involves
While full technical details have not been published to the public domain at this stage, the FLOW‑Park concept, as described by opponents, would provide an offshore holding area for massive floating foundations used in next‑generation wind turbines. Such units, once assembled or staged, are typically towed to their final locations for installation. Campaigners argue that creating a designated anchorage close to the Moray shoreline could bring industrial‑scale activity nearer to communities and sensitive marine environments.
Questions raised locally include potential effects on commercial and recreational sea use, implications for marine wildlife, and how noise and visual impact will be assessed for nearby settlements such as Findhorn, Roseisle and parts of the wider Moray coast. Opponents say they support renewable energy deployment in principle but want assurances on siting, safeguards and oversight.
How residents can stay informed
Those seeking further detail are being directed by campaigners to their new leaflets and online materials. The group says it is encouraging residents to read available documents, follow the consultation process and, where appropriate, submit comments during any formal planning or marine licensing stages. They also invite interested parties to attend future outreach sessions and community events.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Yoga By The Sea | Findhorn north beach | 11 July |
| Findhorn Fair | Findhorn | 19 July |
| Beach outreach | Roseisle | 30 August |
InfoRadar will continue to monitor developments around the FLOW‑Park proposal, including the progress of any EIA and the timetable for further public engagement. Residents with relevant information or documentation can contact the newsroom with verifiable details.
