Controversial Galloway Hills wind farm given go ahead
The Scottish Government have given plans the green light
Last updated 9th Nov 2023
Proposals for a windfarm in the Galloway Hills have been approved by The Scottish Government, despite significant local concern.
The planned ‘Shepards' Rig’ site is situated near Carsphairn, adding to the tally of wind farms close to the village, including Benbrack Wind Farm 6km north.
Disappointed with the decision, local campaigners are calling for a halt to developing too many wind farms in what they consider an oversaturated area.
The decision is leaving many unhappy
Carole Williams is part of ‘Save our Hills’ a local group campaigning against the installation of wind farms on sites they describe as unsuitable:
“All of us in this community are aware of every wind farm application that goes in across Dumfries & Galloway, and I am confident that the community around Shepards' Rig will be devastated.
“They have put hundreds of thousands of hours of work into assessing these applications, and Shepards' Rig in particular.
“It went to public inquiry, which involves a lot of volunteers standing up and being in judicial environments that they are not trained to do, that they are not paid to do, it’s all very intimidating. Yet, we all plough on in the hope that we will be listened to.
“The fact that Shepherds' Rig will go ahead will leave very very many people around that community very disappointed, and once again feeling like our voices are not being listened to.”
The public inquiry was launched in November 2021.
Since initial applications were lodged, several amendments have been made throughout the planning process, with the total number of proposed turbines now sitting at 17.
Concern over impact on locals
Carsphairn Community Council and Mountaineering Scotland are amongst objectors, with worries over visual detriment to the area, as well as road safety concerns, and negative mental health impacts upon those living nearby.
The Scottish Government have however concluded the benefits outweigh any negatives.
The project is being progressed by Boralex, a Canadian power provider, who say they hope to utilise local providers where possible throughout the process, in a bid to support the economy.
In a post published by Boralex online, Project Director Richard Frost said:
“Shepherds’ Rig is a well-sited and designed project which will contribute to Scotland’s efforts to abate climate change and provide an opportunity for the local community and businesses to benefit further from onshore wind development.
I am delighted that we can now move forward with this project.”