Muirhall Energy has begun construction of its 46MW Priestgill Wind Farm northeast of Abington in South Lanarkshire.
The seven-turbine project, consented in 2020, will generate enough clean electricity to power more than 44,000 homes once operational. Muirhall entered the site in September, supported by main civil engineering contractor RJ McLeod and Powersystems UK, which is delivering grid connection works.
Priestgill will provide an annual community benefit fund worth about £218,000 for the lifetime of the wind farm, along with an Initial Investment Fund for local groups during construction.
Muirhall Energy managing director Sarah McIntosh said: “The construction of Priestgill Wind Farm is an important milestone for Muirhall Energy and reinforces our commitment to developing projects that help to meet the UK’s long-term energy needs. We look forward to working closely with local stakeholders, the community and the supply chain to maximise the benefits this project will bring.
“Reaching this point has taken more than ten years of hard work from our team and has involved overcoming significant challenges along the way.
“We are proud of what Priestgill represents – collaboration across the board to bring forward a clean power future. We look forward to turbines turning in late 2026.”
Màiri McAllan, MSP for Clydesdale, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to visit the site today and celebrate the groundbreaking of Priestgill Wind Farm. This project is set to be a shining example of how Scotland’s supply chain plays a central role in driving onshore wind development.
“Once operational, the wind farm will deliver significant and long-term benefits to the local area. Most importantly, as the MSP for the site, I welcome Muirhall Energy’s clear commitment to ensuring Priestgill Wind Farm leaves a lasting and positive legacy for the community.”
Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “For too long, Scottish families have been at the mercy of global gas prices that have sent bills through the roof.
“That’s why we need to build more onshore wind projects such as Priestgill Wind Farm, which are vital in delivering our 2030 clean power mission, ending our reliance on volatile fossil fuels and powering communities with well-paid skilled jobs.”
RJ McLeod director Jamie Corser said: “We are looking forward to working with Muirhall Energy on the delivery of Priestgill Wind Farm. An integral part of the project will be community and landowner liaison and protection of the environment, and we will follow and build on the good practices deployed and refined on our previous projects.
“As a local contractor that has worked in Scotland for over 70 years, our focus throughout the construction will be on providing opportunities to Scottish businesses wherever possible, ensuring that the benefits of the project are felt across the supply chain and within the local communities.”
Powersystems project director Jonathan Stock said: “We are delighted to work with Muirhall Energy and RJ McLeod on Priestgill Wind Farm. Having connected around 30% of the UK’s onshore wind farms to the grid, we bring extensive experience in delivering projects that benefit local people, supply chains, and economies.
“Our ‘good neighbour’ ethos means we actively engage with the communities where we work – supporting local employment, creating opportunities for suppliers, and helping to ensure the project delivers lasting social and economic value.”