LADY HOPE of Craighead has spoken of her opposition to plans for a controversial Perthshire wind- farm—because it would upset her “highly strung” horse.

She told a public inquiry that, if approved, the 18- turbine development at Drumderg would fill her mount with “fear and anxiety.”

Mrs Mary Hope, the wife of life peer and eminent law lord David Hope, believes the couple’s family property at Craighead would eventually become “derelict” if the Scottish and Southern Energy plan is approved.

Lady Hope is concerned over the “financial and emotional losses” the couple may suffer, but is particularly worried about the impact on her horse Blitz.

“My family and I have spent holidays and weekends at Craighead for many years and I am an experienced rider and a dressage judge,” she told the public inquiry.

“I keep my German/ Dutch horse at Craighead during our summer holiday. I ride her up from the house to the moor and on to the top of Craighead Hill, directly opposite the proposed wind farm.

“Being a dressage horse, she is rather highly strung and is sensitive to unexpected events.”

Lady Hope insisted Blitz feels “safe and secure” at Craighead but fears that may change if the wind farm is built.

“Wind turbines so close to us with their unpredictable movements would fill her with fear and anxiety.

“At any moment Blitz could panic and run out of control,” Lady Hope continued.

“It would take her a long time to accept this new phenomenon and I would be concerned that frightened cantering might cause her to suffer a tragic accident.”

Lady Hope is also concerned about a possible effect on her mobile phone reception.

“There is no fixed line telephone at Craighead,” she told the inquiry. “In this relatively remote place, we are entirely dependent on our mobile phones for access to the outside world.

“I will need to be reassured there is no risk of the strength of the mobile phone signal being reduced as a result of the wind farm development.”

Lady Hope continued, “It is obvious to me that the value of Craighead will be reduced as a result of this development.

“The house has no mains electricity supply and the rough track that leads up to it from the public road is over a mile long.

“The value of the property lies in its unique, peaceful and remote location.”

Indeed, Lady Hope fears the family home could be rendered worthless.

“Part of the pleasure I take from this long-standing family home ... is the know-ledge that we will be able to pass it on to the younger members of our family in due course,” she said.

“It seems to me to be unlikely that they will want it, with this development right on its doorstep. The result will almost certainly be that the property will become derelict.

“I would like to think there is some corresponding benefit … but I cannot see one.”

The public inquiry has also heard from supporters of the wind farm, including chairman of the local community council Jim Adam.

“I have been chair of the community council since 2003 and we have carried out extensive research,” he said. “Although we initially favoured the development ... we later became neutral in the matter.

“I therefore speak on my own behalf, but also on behalf of the huge silent majority who stand to gain by the existence of the wind farm,” Mr Adam continued.

“Perth and Kinross Council has lost its opportunity to lead by example in the battle to save the environment, but it is not too late to start trying to catch up.”

The public inquiry, being held in Blackwater Hall just north of Bridge of Cally, continues.