Wind farm developer doubling up as Scottish footprint grows

A wind farm developer behind two South Lanarkshire sites is gearing up for further growth after almost doubling the size of its Scottish team.

Wind farms and their turbines have become a familiar sight in many parts of Scotland these days. Picture: John Devlin

Banks Group said it was looking to build on recent successes and “significantly expand” its portfolio of renewables schemes as well as support its property arm north of the Border.

Last year the firm developed, constructed and connected two South Lanarkshire wind farms to the grid. The 26-turbine Kype Muir site and 15-turbine Middle Muir facility have a combined generating capacity to meet the needs of more than 100,000 households.

With those wind farms operational along with some 150 megawatts of consented new onshore wind schemes and more new renewable energy projects in the pipeline, the company has grown its Scottish headcount by six people to 13, supported by a team of around 100 based in County Durham.

Banks Group has developed, constructed and connected two South Lanarkshire wind farms to the grid.

Andrew Liddell, development director with Banks Group, who heads up the Hamilton office, said: “Wind farms are very effective when they pair amazing technology with great locations. It means Kype Muir and Middle Muir are serious contributors to Scotland’s energy needs and our ambitions towards becoming a net zero carbon nation.

“This has been achieved against a widely-reported challenging backdrop for onshore wind. It is promising that UK policymakers are taking steps towards embracing wind farms again for their efficient green energy.

“The implications of a positive government renewable energy policy, already evident in Scotland and hopefully emerging at Westminster, paired with having two great developments live, are that we are able to take bigger steps forward across the whole business.”

The firm’s property business has been formed over the last 30 years from its expertise in complex development projects and land reclamation. It has subsequently secured planning permission for some 10,000 homes in Scotland and the north of England.

The group said it was seeking to grow its property arm’s activities in Scotland in the years ahead, helping a number of local authorities meet a housing supply shortfall.

Both South Lanarkshire wind farms are covered by Banks Renewables’ Connect2Renewables initiative, created with the support of local communities and South Lanarkshire Council which seeks to maximise the social and economic benefits of its work.

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