Two new wind farms in Peebles given green light

TWO wind farms, which will between them provide enough power for more than 60,000 homes, have been given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government.

Wind farms in Peebles given the go ahead. Picture: John Devlin

Economy Secretary Keith Brown granted permission for 18 turbines to go up in Cloich Forest, near Peebles, and also approved the 24 turbine Stranoch wind farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

As well as providing enough electricity to power the equivalent of 26,968 homes, the Cloich Forest project, when completed, could generate community benefit funding of up to £6 million for the local area.

Meanwhile, the Stranoch development, when up and running, could produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 34,959 homes.

Mr Brown said that both wind farms will “provide a boost to their local economies, creating jobs and supporting local suppliers”.

He added: “Renewable energy sources generated more than 57% of gross electricity consumption in Scotland in 2015.

“The growth of onshore wind in recent years has been the key factor in the expansion of renewable energy in Scotland: creating jobs, providing secure and low-carbon energy and delivering significant community benefits.”

However, the planned Hag Law wind farm near Ramanno Bridge in the Borders will not go ahead, after Local Government and Housing Minister Kevin Stewart refused an appeal.

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