Ayrshire wind farm proposals set for public exhibition (2025)

The proposed wind farm would be situated in the Cumnock and Doon Valley area.

East Ayrshire residents are being invited to attend the public exhibitions for a proposed wind farm in the Cumnock and Doon Valley area.

Located within Netherthird on the Garleffan and Grievehill open-cast coal mine, OnPath Energy recently submitted a scoping report for the eight-turbine site.

The first exhibition will take place at New Cumnock Bowling Club on April 22 from 12pm to 7pm.

A second event will take place the following day at Logan Day Centre from 2pm to 7pm with a third session set for Netherthird Community Centre on April 24 from 12pm to 6pm.

The proposed wind farm, situated 3.5km to the east of Netherthird, could feature up to eight turbines, each with a maximum tip height of 250 metres, placing them among the most efficient in the UK.

If given the go-ahead, the project has the potential to generate up to 161.5 GWh of electricity each year, enough to power approximately 55,000 homes while also providing a minimum of £5,000 per megawatt annually in community funding.

OnPath Energy’s partnerships and community manager Aileen McCreadie, said: “We’re keen for as many residents as possible to come along to the upcoming exhibitions and be part of shaping what this wind farm could look like.

“These sessions are a crucial step for us, we’re not here to simply present plans, we’re here to listen, to understand local priorities, and where possible to reflect them in the final proposals.

“We want to hear from as many members of the community as possible, whether you have ideas for new walking routes, thoughts on what local residents need most, or concerns you’d like to share. We’re here to listen, start conversations, and take meaningful action.”

Aileen added: “We’ve already started engaging heavily with local organisations and one of the ways we’re putting community at the centre is by asking local primary schools to help name the site and its turbines, ensuring the history and identity of this place is woven into its future.

“We would like to develop this project hand-in-hand with the local community, so that it becomes more than just a source of renewable energy, but a catalyst for meaningful, lasting positive change in the area.”

Ewan Robertson, project manager for the proposal added: “These exhibitions are a key milestone in our journey, giving us the chance to speak directly with the people who know this area best.

“We’re not coming in with fixed ideas. We want to listen, understand local priorities, and make sure the final plans reflect those voices.

“Whether it’s concerns, aspirations, or ideas for how the community could benefit, every comment will be considered when shaping what comes next. We’ll return later this year with a second round of consultation, showing how that feedback has influenced the design, the community benefit offer, and how shared ownership could give local people a real stake in the project.”

To learn more about the Cumnock and Doon Valley proposals, click here

To learn more about the exhibitions, click here

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