ScottishPower Renewables, a leading developer of clean energy projects in the UK, has commenced construction on the extensions to its Arecleoch and Kilgallioch wind farms in South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. These extensions will significantly increase renewable energy capacity while delivering environmental and community benefits.
Boosting Renewable Energy Capacity Across Scotland
The approved development will add 13 new turbines to Arecleoch Windfarm in South Ayrshire and 9 turbines to Kilgallioch Windfarm in Dumfries and Galloway. Once completed, these upgrades will boost the combined capacity of both windfarms to nearly 485 megawatts (MW) — enough green electricity to power the equivalent of over 300,000 homes across Scotland.
The project not only strengthens Scotland’s renewable energy infrastructure but also significantly enhances community benefit funding. To date, local communities have received almost £16m in community contributions. With the new extensions, this figure is expected to rise to £31.4m over the lifespan of both windfarms.
Environmental Enhancement and Biodiversity Restoration
As part of the project, ScottishPower Renewables is implementing extensive environmental restoration efforts. At Arecleoch Windfarm, 34 hectares of peatland are being restored on a previously forested site. Meanwhile, Kilgallioch Windfarm has already seen 25 hectares of peatland restored, with further significant work planned within the Kirkcowan Flow Special Area of Conservation. These measures will improve habitat resilience, restore natural hydrology, and contribute to Scotland’s biodiversity goals.
Supporting Jobs, Communities, and Scotland’s Net-Zero Targets
Ross Galbraith, Onshore Construction & Operations Director at ScottishPower Renewables, comments: “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, create jobs, and enhance biodiversity at these sites.”
The construction is being delivered by Farrans, the principal contractor for both sites, and Patrick Murray, Regional Director for Scotland at Farrans, adds: “We are pleased to be back on site at Kilgallioch and Arecleoch, two windfarms that Farrans has a long history of working on with ScottishPower Renewables.
“These extensions will help Scotland grow its renewable energy provision in line with its targets. We look forward to working alongside the local supply chain, neighbouring communities, and our client to deliver this project safely and on time.”
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