'96-turbine' wind farm approved

Feb 14 2013

A wind farm which could power the equivalent of more than 130,000 homes has been given planning permission.

The Kilgallioch Wind Farm, in Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire, is expected to have 96 turbines and have a generating capacity of up to 288mw.

The construction of the wind farm will also create around 200 to 250 jobs over three years, and 13 full-time positions afterwards.

Planning consent has been granted to developers Scottish Power Renewables with conditions to protect the environment and provide rangers for the Southern Upland Way.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "The developers will fund two countryside rangers to help people enjoy the beautiful Southern Upland Way, as well as contributing to a fund for local environmental and energy projects.

"In consenting the application, I have put a number of conditions in place to protect the local wildlife and environment and recognise that measures have been taken to mitigate the impact of the development."

The Scottish Government has given consent to 55 renewables developments since May 2007, and is considering a further 43 applications.