Wind Farm Plans Spark Conservation Alarm Over Golden Eagles
A charity has issued a stark warning that a proposed wind farm in the Scottish Borders presents an "unacceptable risk" to the region's fragile golden eagle population. Restoring Upland Nature (RUN), which manages the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, is urging local councillors to reject the development due to fears of collision deaths for these rare birds of prey.
Developer Proposes Eight Turbines Near Walkerburn
Fred Olsen Renewables has submitted plans to construct eight wind turbines, each reaching up to 180 meters in height, at the Scawd Law site near Walkerburn. The project would have a generation capacity of 60MW, contributing to renewable energy targets. However, RUN argues that the location in the Moorfoot Hills is unsuitable, citing detailed analysis based on satellite monitoring and field observations.
Dr Cat Barlow, chief executive officer of RUN, stated: "While we strongly support well-sited renewable energy to tackle the climate crisis, our evidence shows Scawd Law is the wrong place for a wind farm. Our data indicates the collision risk is at least six times greater than the developer's outdated figures, and this risk will increase as fledglings enter the landscape."
Community Opposition and Historical Context
Local opposition has also emerged, with Mike Wilcox of Walkerburn Community Council highlighting the significance of the golden eagle reintroduction efforts. "This is the last chance to save our majestic golden eagles," he said. "The community has been thrilled to see these birds return after a century-long absence. Approving Scawd Law could undo a decade of conservation progress."
The controversy follows a 2024 investigation that confirmed the death of a golden eagle named Sparky from a wind turbine strike in Dumfries and Galloway, marking the first such recorded incident by the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. This precedent underscores the urgency of the current debate.
Planning Committee to Review Application
Scottish Borders Council's planning committee is scheduled to review the wind farm application on March 2. RUN's call for rejection is based on concerns that the developer's data underestimates eagle activity, with Dr Barlow noting that the risk at Scawd Law alone exceeds that of all existing wind farms in southern Scotland combined.
Fred Olsen Renewables has been approached for comment, but no response has been provided at this time. The outcome of the council's decision will have significant implications for both renewable energy development and wildlife conservation in the region.
