Friends of the Ochils has submitted two responses to the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit (ECU) on windfarm proposals in the Ochils.
Brunt Hill Windfarm: grid connection (ECU00004654)
On 16 September 2026 we commented on the additional "Grid Appraisal" information submitted by the developer, Brunt Hill Limited. The proposed cable from the Brunt Hill site to the substation at the consented Craighead Windfarm would run underground, largely along proposed tracks, and we have no particular concerns about its effect on the landscape or on recreational access.
However, the appraisal does not explain how the connection would continue beyond the Craighead substation, even though that onward connection would serve Brunt Hill as well as Craighead. In our view the full impact of the Brunt Hill grid connection has therefore not been assessed, and the requirement to identify the route to the grid has not been met. We have asked for details of how the connection would continue beyond Craighead, with a clear commitment that it too would be placed underground.
Read FotO's Brunt Hill response (PDF)
Green Knowes Windfarm Repowering: EIA scoping (ECU00006364)
On 17 April 2026 we submitted our response to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report for ScottishPower Renewables' proposal to repower the Green Knowes Windfarm. The new turbines would be 180 to 200 metres to blade tip, around twice the height of the existing 95 metre turbines, and spread across a considerably larger layout. Our main points are:
- The assessment must reflect the true position on the ground, with several operational, consented and undetermined windfarms in the Ochils. The scoping report describes Craighead as proposed, when it is consented, and Rhodders as approved, when it is operational.
- We welcome the use of both a comparative and a restored baseline, but ask that effects on landscape character are assessed across 30 km rather than 20 km, given how much taller the new turbines would be.
- The Western Ochils Local Landscape Area and the Forest Special Landscape Area should be scoped in, not out.
- Additional viewpoints should be added on Seamab Hill and on Core Path Auch 152 near Glen Devon, along with further viewpoints to assess the combined effect of aviation lighting with Craighead and Brunt Hill.
- Decommissioning effects and the effects on peat should not be scoped out, and any overlap between removing the existing windfarm and building the new one should be clearly set out and kept to a minimum.
- The Mary Queen of Scots Way passes close to the site, through Glen Quey and up the Borland Glen, and should be taken into account.
Read FotO's Green Knowes response (PDF)
Our position
While we do not campaign against renewable energy, our aim is to protect the Ochils from developments that would harm the landscape and people's enjoyment of it. We will continue to follow both proposals closely and will respond to any planning application for Green Knowes once it is submitted.