CRIEFF — Following community anger over plans for eight wind turbines with blade tips up to 200 metres high near Crieff, a rival developer has unveiled what it calls a "more Perthshire-sensitive" alternative: a single enormous man, standing on the hill, blowing.

"People said they didn't want giant spinning metal structures on the skyline," said Strathearn Breeze Ltd project manager Stuart Pirie. "So we listened. Our man is 180 metres tall, wears a tasteful Barbour jacket in heather tones, and blows at a steady 14 knots. He blends in. Well, as much as a 180-metre man can."

The developer claims the man, known as Big Tam, could power up to 4,000 homes, depending on what he had for lunch. "Soup days are good," said Pirie. "Curry days, we have to notify SEPA."

Residents attending a community meeting in Fowlis Wester were sceptical. "With turbines, at least they don't look at you," said local woman Agnes Lyle, 69. "Big Tam looks at you. I was hanging out the washing and he winked."

Campaigners note there are already nine wind farms proposed in the area, totalling 99 turbines, and say adding a giant man would be "the thin end of the wedge."

"First it's one big man blowing," said one objector. "Then it's two. Then it's his whole family. Then his family's pal from Comrie, who does a very irritating whistle. Where does it end?"

The Scottish Government said it would "take full account of community concerns", while Big Tam told reporters through a megaphone that he was "just happy to be included" and "would really appreciate a seat at some point."