Windy Standard III begins construction near New Cumnock

Windy Standard I was Scotland's first consented wind farm. <i>(Image: Fred. Olsen Renewables)</i>
Windy Standard I was Scotland's first consented wind farm. (Image: Fred. Olsen Renewables)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

WORK has started on a 20-turbine wind farm close to the East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway border, with a construction firm appointed to the project.

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has been appointed as principal contractor for the 'Windy Standard III' development, led by Fred. Olsen Renewables.

The wind farm was granted approval back in 2021, and will have the annual to power more than 130,000 UK homes, according to the firm in charge.

First power generation from the wind farm is expected in winter 2026.

Sofie Olsen Jebsen, chief executive officer at Fred. Olsen Renewables, said: “We are delighted to be starting construction on Windy Standard III.

"This is a strategic project for Fred. Olsen Renewables and demonstrates our continued commitment to the UK market.  

“We equally look forward to working closely with our main contractors to successfully deliver the wind farm and allowing it to play a vital role in generating green energy, strengthening Scotland’s energy security and supporting the journey towards clean power 2030.” 


READ MORE: Developer plans 'repowering' of wind farm


Fred. Olsen Renewables was the firm which oversaw Scotland's first consented wind farm.

Scheduled activity for Jones Bros includes ground investigations, reinforced concrete foundations, excavating, and backfilling for cabling, as well as creating more than 10km of new access tracks and associated crane hardstands to allow for turbine delivery and erection. 

Jones Bros project manager Jonathan Maitland said: “Our highly skilled team is pleased to have been given the green light on Windy Standard III, which further strengthens our wind farm portfolio in Scotland.

“We look forward to working closely with Fred. Olsen Renewables to add to the first two phases of the complex and boost the push towards clean power.”

Jones Bros will aim to utilise its on-site batching plant to cut down vehicle movement and help streamline programme delivery.

Jonathan added: “It’s always fantastic to be able to create job opportunities for people in the community in which we work. 

“As with all our projects, we will be actively looking to make the most of the local contractors to enhance our supply chain.”

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos