Submitted proposal set to deliver substantial social and economic opportunities.
Fred. Olsen Renewables has submitted proposals for the development of Scawd Law Wind Farm, on the Holylee Estate, approximately 4km north of Walkerburn. The plans will bring forward a development consisting of eight turbines and deliver a community benefit fund worth over £8m to support local projects.
Scawd Law Wind Farm has been the subject of discussion with the local community since early 2021. The plans have changed as a result of feedback gathered locally and, in response, the number of turbines has reduced and the access route to the site has changed – making sure that traffic does not come through Walkerburn.
Following the identification of two eagles on site earlier this year, Fred. Olsen Renewables delayed its original application date. Having undertaken a series of studies and consulted with NatureScot, the Council and the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Group, the company is confident that the eagles are no longer present on the site and that the application can be progressed.
Julie Aitken, Senior Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, commented:
“We are pleased to submit our application for Scawd Law Wind Farm. I really appreciate the time that residents and local groups have spent considering our proposals, their feedback has helped to shape the submitted plans.
“We will continue to work closely with the community to understand what is important to them and design a community benefit fund that will support many local initiatives – from funding hall improvements and sports clubs to delivering large scale community projects.”
The proposals to develop Scawd Law Wind Farm also include a commitment to the development of multiuse trails in and around the site – linking in with other tracks in the area. It is intended that a planning application for the multi-use trails will be submitted to the Scottish Borders Council on consent of the wind farm.
Should local residents have any questions on the proposals they are encouraged to visit www.scawdlawwindfarm.co.uk or attend Walkerburn Village Hall on Wednesday 25th January from 1.30pm – 7.30pm and speak to a member of the development team.
Further information can be found at www.scawdlawwindfarm.co.uk.