The developers of a new windfarm in Avondale say the site is due to start operating.
Banks Renewables’ new 26-turbine project will be opened by minister for energy, connectivity and islands, Paul Wheelhouse, on April 3.
The Kype Muir Wind Farm, situated between Sandford and Cheers! Tiny South Lanarkshire village Glassford set to be packed for sell-out beer and gin festival will have a generating capacity of up to 88.4MW and is expected to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s energy needs.
Secretary for Strathaven Community Council, Les Hoggan, praised the project for the financial boost to Avondale but said he had reservations about any further projects in the area.
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He told the East Kilbride News: “Banks Renewables seem to have taken an interest in the community aspect of things, which is what you want to see – but it’s the kind of thing that can split opinion.
“From the community council point of view we looked at it and thought that it is bringing a lot of money to the town, and it can only be a good thing.
“From the viewpoint that they have 26 turbines there and are planning to add another 15, that would maybe take us to a saturation point.”
Cheers! Tiny South Lanarkshire village Glassford set to be packed for sell-out beer and gin festival
The wind farm has been developed and built using a collaborative approach in conjunction with local communities and local businesses, called Connect2Renewables.
That ensures that much of the investment stays in the local community.
Capable of powering more than 80,000 homes, it was previously estimated to deliver a £101million boost to the South Lanarkshire economy.
Plans have previously been approved to add a further 15 turbines to the project.
Les added: “Banks have been great with speaking to locals about things like traffic management and we have really appreciated that.
“It’s good that they have continued the consultation.
“But people either love or hate these kinds of projects – from the community council perspective, you don’t want too many.”
