A BUDDHIST retreat is to be sold off to one of Scotland's biggest power companies because monks fear their mental health could be affected by a wind farm being built nearby.
The Tharpaland retreat in the Forest of Ae, Dumfries and Galloway, is being bought by ScottishPower who will soon begin work on building a 71-turbine wind farm near the site.
The monks claim "infrasound" from the huge turbines could interfere with their meditation and may be adversely affecting the health of everyone in Scotland.
They have conducted their own study into wind farms and argue the turbines generate low-level noise that can affect the mind.
People who took part in the study found their ability to concentrate dropped by up to 70% within a mile of the turbines.
They also reported head and chest pains during prayer.
Gen Tharchin, a teacher at Tharpaland, said this proved the retreat could not continue to operate and would have to be moved.
He added: "In a series of meetings with ScottishPower we expressed our concerns, but to no avail."
A ScottishPower spokesman said: "We have been in regular contact with Tharpaland and after positive discussion are in agreement to purchase the property."
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