Plans for a wind farm which could power 50,000 homes have been submitted to the Scottish Government. 

Located to the east and northeast of the Vale of Leven area, the proposal - by renewable energy company Coriolis Energy - would see 10 turbines up to 250 metres tall to the tip of the blade, on rough grazing moorland.

The height of the proposed turbines - earmarked for Auchenreoch Moor, to the east of Bonhill - would make them among the highest in Scotland if permission for the project is granted in its current form.

James Baird, Coriolis Energy project manager for the Vale of Leven bid, said: “We would like to put on record our thanks to residents and community representatives for their input and time into the project throughout the consultation process. 

“We are committed to working with local companies to deliver our wind farm projects and, if consented, we will work with local businesses and the supply chain for Vale of Leven."

As part of the project, Coriolis Energy would provide a community benefit package of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity, which would generate £350,000 per annum for the lifetime of the scheme due to the 70MW turbines set for the site.

In addition to community benefit, the development will be offered as a shared ownership wind farm, allowing the local community to invest in the wind farm. 

The Coriolis team will hold a series of Information Days to showcase the submitted project and for residents and organisations to examine and discuss the application with the project team.

They will take place at: 

  • The Balloch House, Balloch on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 12noon – 3pm;
  • Kilmaronock Millennium Hall, Gartocharn on Tuesday, November, 28, 2023, 4.30pm – 7.30pm;
  • Loch Lomond Rugby Club, Beechwood Drive, Alexandria on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 12noon – 3pm; and
  • Dalmonach Community Centre, Bonhill on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 4.30pm – 7.30pm.

Mr Baird added: "We have the Information Days on November 28 and 29 to showcase the submitted application and we will organise Meet the Developer events to outline opportunities in 2024.”

The Vale of Leven planning documents can be accessed online at the Energy Consents Unit’s website at www.energyconsents.scot under the application reference:00003468.