Low Carbon has unveiled its latest plans for a 138MW Scottish wind project in Strathearn, Perthshire.
The new design proposals reflect feedback from consultations with local communities and statutory consultees over the past 12 months, as well as detailed ecological and ornithological surveys undertaken over the past two years.
Further surveys and community feedback will be incorporated into the final design prior to an application to the Scottish government’s Energy Consents Unit in the first half of 2025.
Plans for the wind farm at Invergeldie Estate near Comrie and St Fillans reflect feedback from consultation and further environmental surveys and will be unveiled at two public exhibitions later in the month.
The wind farm is part of an wider strategy for Invergeldie by estate owner Oxygen Conservation that includes native woodland tree planting, restoration of peatland and wetland areas, plus the reintroduction of lost species.
The masterplan aims to deliver a more prosperous and sustainable rural community for local people by improving biodiversity, reducing the impact of climate change, creating sustainable jobs, encouraging new businesses, improving access for walkers and cyclists, and supporting eco-tourism.
A report by leading economic impact specialists MKA Economics has found potential benefits associated with the Glen Lednock project could include a community benefit fund of around £27.7m over the proposed 40-year operational life of the wind farm, equivalent to nearly £700,000 a year (based on 2024 prices).
As part of plans to work with local communities in Strathearn, Low Carbon will partner with Foundation Scotland to convene a series of consultation and engagement activities in 2025 to inform the design and structure of the community benefit fund and to ensure it is in line with what local communities want.
The company is also offering communities the opportunity to take up shared ownership in the development, in line with Scottish Government best practice.
Low Carbon senior project development manager Craig Cunningham said: “Today, we have an opportunity to harness low-cost wind power to deliver clean, renewable energy as part of a wider innovative biodiversity strategy for the Invergeldie estate.
“At the same time, it has the potential to deliver a major multi-million-pound package of social and economic benefits for local communities and businesses across the Perth and Kinross region.
“Working in partnership with local communities on the Glen Lednock project has been really important to us.
“We would like to thank local people, community councils and other organisations for their feedback in helping shape the latest design proposals, which we look forward to sharing at our public exhibitions next week.”