Plans for a new 14-turbine wind farm north of Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway could generate £165 million worth of benefits for the local economy, according to RES.
RES has submitted a Section 36 application to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit for the Blair Hill Wind Farm. The company says that if it receives approval, the wind farm will generate clean electricity for over 115,000 homes every year, contribute £23 million in community benefits during its operational lifetime, and bring in a further £17 million in local investment during construction.
That’s not all, with RES even claiming that the project will provide an additional £125 million boost to the local economy throughout its operation, thanks to maintenance and business rate costs.
Coinciding with the application, RES has announced two drop-in information sessions for members of the public to view the submitted plans. These sessions will be held from 3–8pm on March 24 at the County Buildings Hall in Wigtown, and on March 25 at the McMillan Hall in Newton Stewart.
Sarah McArthur, Development Project Manager at RES, commented, “We are delighted to have reached this milestone in the Blair Hill Wind Farm project and would like to thank everyone who participated in our public consultations in October 2023 and May 2024. The feedback we received from both the community and statutory consultees has been instrumental in shaping the final design of the wind farm.
“As part of our development plans, we propose to create a signposted, accessible heritage trail that will guide visitors through the site’s historical features, unlocking the rich archaeological heritage for the local community and tourists to the area alike.”
Dumfries and Galloway is predicted to have one of the highest demands for onshore wind workers in Scotland by 2030. In light of that, RES has pledged to work with universities and colleges in the region to offer educational and career development opportunities during the construction phase, should the proposal receive consent.
RES has also maintained an ongoing dialogue with local communities through a series of consultations and a dedicated Community Liaison Group (CLG). The CLG has provided a consistent channel of communication between RES, nearby residents, and other stakeholders, ensuring transparent discussion about the wind farm’s progress and design.
McArthur added, “We will continue to engage with the local community throughout the application process and I would encourage those interested to attend our information sessions at the County Buildings Hall in Wigtown and McMillan Hall in Newton Stewart on 24 and 25 March respectively.”
