Latest news

The latest news and updates from Friends of the Ochils — covering our campaigns, planning decisions, and conservation work in and around the Ochils.

• FotO Responds to Brunt Hill and Green Knowes Windfarm Proposals

  30 September 2026

  Friends of the Ochils has submitted comments to the Scottish Government on the Brunt Hill grid connection and the Green Knowes Repowering scoping report.

• Green Knowes Windfarm Repowering Project

  24 March 2026

  ScottishPower Renewables has proposed the repowering of the existing Green Knowes Windfarm in the Ochil Hills, replacing ageing turbines with more modern, efficient models.

• FotO Responds to Confor Draft Engagement Guidelines

  1 March 2026

  FotO has submitted comments on Confor's draft guidelines for respectful and constructive engagement in Scottish forestry.

• Balquhandy Forest Long Term Forest Plan — Consultation

  4 February 2026

  Scottish Forestry opened consultation on a 20-year management plan for Balquhandy Forest near Dunning. FotO reviewed the proposals ahead of the March 2026 deadline.

• Craighead Windfarm Appeal Allowed — Eight Turbines Approved

  7 November 2025

  The Scottish Ministers' Reporter has allowed the planning appeal for the Craighead Windfarm near Dunning Glen, granting permission for eight wind turbines.

• FotO Objects to Amended Brunt Hill Windfarm Application

  15 October 2025

  FotO has submitted a formal representation objecting to the amended Brunt Hill Windfarm application to the Energy Consents Unit.

• FotO Raises Concerns Over Glenfarg Woodland Consultation

  22 September 2025

  FotO has written to Scottish Forestry expressing serious concerns about the late and inadequate stakeholder consultation by the agent on a new mixed commercial woodland proposal near Glenfarg.

• Windburn Windfarm

  14 August 2025

  Friends of the Ochils have objected to the Windburn Windfarm development due to its significant adverse impact on the Ochils' landscape, visual amenity, and recreational use.

• Blackford Farms Ochil Hills Woodland Creation — Stakeholder Engagement

  11 August 2025

  FotO is participating in stakeholder engagement for a proposed woodland creation scheme on the Blackford Farms estate in the Ochil Hills, with a consultation deadline of 22 September 2025.

• Ardargie Woodland Proposal: FotO Concludes Review

  3 May 2025

  FotO has concluded its formal review of the Ardargie Woodland Creation application, confirming no further concerns after key access issues were resolved.

• Scotland’s Rural LandMarket and Natural Capital

  1 April 2022

  FotO's response to developments affecting the Ochils landscape, including the Windburn Windfarm proposal.

• Timber harvesting Dollar Forest 2021 – 2022

  1 May 2021

  An update on timber harvesting activity in Dollar Forest and what it means for the Ochils.

• Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels

  27 February 2019

  A message from the Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels project, seeking volunteers and stakeholders in the Ochils area to help protect red squirrels from the spread of grey squirrels.

• Light on Dumyat by Rennie McOwan republished

  18 December 2016

  A brand new illustrated fifth edition of Light on Dumyat — the classic children's adventure story by Rennie McOwan, founder of Friends of the Ochils.