Belfast-headquartered construction firm, Farrans, has officially commenced work on the extensions to ScottishPower Renewables’ Arecleoch and Kilgallioch wind farms in Scotland.

As the principal contractor for both sites, Farrans is set to enhance the energy capacity and environmental benefits of these significant renewable energy assets.

The approved extensions will see 13 additional turbines added to the Arecleoch Windfarm in South Ayrshire, and a further 9 turbines at Kilgallioch Windfarm in Dumfries and Galloway. This expansion will boost the combined capacity of both sites to almost 485MW, enough to power the equivalent of over 300,000 homes. The projects are also anticipated to significantly increase the community benefit funding provided by both wind farms. To date, local communities have received nearly £16 million in contributions, with this figure expected to rise to an estimated £31.4 million over the lifespan of both wind farms.

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Ross Galbraith, Onshore Construction & Operations Director at ScottishPower Renewables, highlighted the ongoing importance of the sites: "Both Arecleoch and Kilgallioch windfarms have been integral to the renewable energy landscape in Scotland generating enough electricity to power over 300,000 homes while delivering long-term community benefits. We’re proud to have invested around £200m across both projects to contribute to the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 plan, support local communities, jobs and supply chain opportunities, and enhance the environment and biodiversity at these sites."

Environmental Enhancement and Local Collaboration

Beyond energy generation, the projects also include substantial environmental initiatives. Arecleoch’s extension incorporates 34 hectares of peatland restoration on a previously forested site. At Kilgallioch, 25 hectares of peatland have already been restored, with further significant restoration planned within the Kirkcowan Flow Special Area of Conservation, aiming to improve habitat resilience and restore natural hydrology.

Patrick Murray, Regional Director of Scotland for Farrans, expressed the company's satisfaction at returning to these sites: "We are pleased to be back on site at Kilgallioch and Arecleoch; two wind farms that Farrans has had a long history of working on with our client ScottishPower Renewables. These extensions will support Scotland to grow its renewable energy provision in line with its targets. We are looking forward to working alongside our local supply chain, the neighbouring community and our client to deliver this project safely and on programme."

The expansion of these wind farms underscores the ongoing commitment to renewable energy infrastructure development, contributing to both national energy targets and local economic and environmental benefits.