RESIDENTS in Upper Nithsdale have been invited to a public information event regarding Sandy Knowe Windfarm.

It received planning consent in November 2016 for 24 turbines, with the project having a total installed capacity of 48MW.

Developers ERG are now looking to increase the total capacity to upwards of 81.6MW while retaining the physical aspects with the same turbine numbers, location and height as already consented by Dumfries and Galloway Council. An updated application was submitted to the Scottish Government in August 2018.

ERG are hosting two public information days to update the local communities on the progression of the project to date.

They will be in the Sanquhar Community Centre on Monday, September 24, from 2pm to 6pm, and Hillview Leisure Centre, Kirkconnel, the following day, also between 2pm and 6pm.

Mark Evans, Head of UK Business Development at ERG said: “If the updated application is consented, we will generate a greater amount of green electricity within the existing footprint, with no increase in turbine numbers or physical size.

"The higher capacity would increase community benefit from £240,000 per annum to around £408,000. There would also be an opportunity for greater community ownership and capital investment.”

"We are very keen to engage with the local communities. With this in mind, I would encourage as many local people as possible to come to our public information days in Kirkconnel and Sanquhar to hear more about our plans.”