A wind energy project is set to benefit the local community to the tune of £65 million, according to planners.

Brockwell Energy submitted an application to Scottish Ministers in September 2019 for the development of a wind energy project within North Kyle Forest between New Cumnock and Dalmellington.

The £300 million investment will see 49 wind turbines installed, generating enough energy to power 18,000 households.

With a life-span of 40 years, North Kyle will also help fund vital regeneration in the communities surrounding the former mining complex.

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Brockwell Energy’s chief financial officer Iain Cockburn has led on this support with nine local community councils, now known as 9CCG, a group being developed to provide a blueprint for full local empowerment in directing community benefit.

The new scheme is being constructed on and around the former Chalmerston and House of Water coal mining sites.

In addition to the £65m of local benefit, Brockwell Energy has committed to immediately provide an additional £2.6 million to help restoration of the most derelict parts of the original mining site and has made a commitment to a further £3.4 million in additional commitment to help boost the formation of the 9CCG.

Alex Lambie, CEO of Brockwell Energy, said: “I am immensely proud of our entire Brockwell team, who have delivered this flagship project after many years of diligent planning and design.

“Not only is the scale of North Kyle of national significance in the push to achieve Net Zero targets, but the project also promises to be truly game-changing for local communities.

"The financial support and guidance to the 9CCG will help them establish themselves with sound governance, necessary controls and procedures that ensure funding is directed to projects which provide meaningful and impactful legacy benefits to the surrounding communities.”

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Brockwell Energy’s Renewable Solutions business will oversee and manage the delivery of the project.

David Finnon, managing director of BRSL, added: “Our team have been involved in the development of the project from the outset and have accumulated an intimate understanding of this large and complex site from a design and planning standpoint.

“With the groundwork that has been achieved already, coupled with the skills and expertise in the team, I am confident the project will be delivered safely and efficiently.”