Welcome to Craighead Wind Farm

The aim of this website is to provide easy access to the latest information on Craighead Wind Farm, as well as how you can get involved and share your views.

*****NEWS UPDATE*****

7th November 2025 – Planning permission for this development has been granted by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of the Scottish Government, subject to conditions.

Link to Decision Notice 

Galileo is proposing a wind farm on land northwest of the hamlet of Carnbo in Kinross-shire, located approximately 5.2km northwest of Kinross and 9km northeast of Dollar. 

Comprising eight wind turbines, the development is proposed to have a total generating capacity of up to 49.6 megawatts (MW). This is based on currently available wind turbine models, which have an individual generating capacity of up to 6.2MW. 

At Galileo, we are committed to working with the local community and other key stakeholders to responsibly develop renewable energy projects that help to deliver Scottish climate change targets and ensure a green and sustainable future for generations to come.

The Craighead Wind Farm development will make a sizeable contribution to the decarbonisation of our electricity system and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as delivering significant community benefits. This includes the potential for reductions in electricity bills for those properties closest to the wind farm.

Planning application documentation

Planning application documents submitted to Perth and Kinross Council, who will determine it, can be found at 24/01193/FLM.

Key documents, include:

Non-Technical Summary (NTS) – Summarises the application and contains the key findings from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work.

Planning Statement – Considers the potential benefits and the effects which may arise from the development, and concludes as to the overall acceptability of Craighead Wind Farm in relation to the planning policy framework and relevant material considerations.

Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Report  – Explains how and when the community was consulted before the planning application for Craighead Wind Farm was submitted to Perth and Kinross Council, and how Galileo has responded to feedback from the community regarding the proposal.

It was very encouraging to see so much engagement with the project, and we are extremely grateful for the time everyone took to get involved.

Tackling the Climate Emergency

“Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. Our greatest threat in thousands of years, climate change.” 1

Sir David Attenborough

The proposal for Craighead Wind Farm is set against the backdrop of the climate emergency and the need to transition to renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from polluting fossil fuels.

It is no exaggeration to say that man-made climate change is the defining crisis of our time, and it is happening even more quickly than we feared, with major global impacts.

Craighead Wind Farm will play its part in tackling the overall challenge and supporting the delivery of the Scottish Government’s ambitious legally-binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. It could power the equivalent of up to 48,200 average Scottish homes with clean, zero-carbon renewable electricity annually.

Displacing polluting fossil fuels, the dominant cause of global warming, renewable energy has a vital role to play in decarbonising heat, power and transport. Craighead Wind Farm will contribute to this, and could save up to 31,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This is equivalent to taking up to 22,240 cars off the road, supporting Scotland’s just transition to a low-carbon future. 

Over the wind farm’s operational life of 40 years, this would be a saving of up to 1,216,000 tonnes. 

International events such as the war in Ukraine have also focused people’s minds on the risks of overreliance on imported fossil fuels. The rising cost of gas has driven a huge increase in energy bills, a key cause of the cost-of-living crisis.

Onshore wind is one of the cheapest sources of new electricity generation in the UK, and with the rising cost-of-living and climate change emergency, it is imperative that we deliver electricity efficiently and at lowest cost to the consumer.

The growth of secure homegrown renewable electricity will help to deliver greater energy security, and is not subject to sudden price fluctuations or the uncertainty of global markets.

Turbine Layout

Project Proposal 

Located in the Ochil Hills, on land at Craighead Farm and Earnieside Forestry plantation, the site comprises two parcels of land which are used for upland grazing and forestry. It benefits from an excellent wind resource and has no national environmental designations that restrict its scope for accommodating a wind farm.

Craighead Wind Farm will comprise eight wind turbines, three with a blade tip height of up to 180m, and five with a blade tip height of up to 200m. Turbine technology has advanced considerably in recent years, meaning that turbines are now taller and more efficient, which enables them to generate a significantly greater amount of renewable electricity per turbine.

An ambitious Biodiversity Enhancement Management Plan (BEMP) will deliver significant biodiversity enhancements, including:

  • Bat and bird roosting boxes installed within the retained trees along the boundaries of the site.
  • Bat and bird boxes to be installed, or designed within, the residential houses and farm building.
  • Refugia/hibernacula exist within the site as piles of stones, and additional hibernacula are considered as in the form of external and buried log piles within areas of open space, providing suitable shelter for amphibians and reptiles and to further enhance biodiversity.
  • The inclusion of ‘hedgehog hotels’ within the southern section of the site along the farm field boundaries.

In addition to the considerable environmental benefits, Craighead Wind Farm will provide long-term economic and social benefits. These include providing funding to support local initiatives and supporting construction and operational employment.

Project Background

The initial proposal for Craighead Wind Farm, comprised up to 12 wind turbines, with a blade tip height of 200m and a total generating capacity of up to 72MW.

Being over 50MW, the application for consent would have been submitted to the Scottish Ministers for determination under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, a process administered by the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) of the Scottish Government.

A request for a scoping opinion was submitted to the Scottish Ministers via the ECU in February 2023 (ECU reference: 00004738). In response to the opinion received from the Scottish Ministers in May 2023, and following feedback received from the public and statutory consultees, the decision was taken to reduce the number of wind turbines to up to 10 (total generating capacity of up to 60MW).

Extensive community consultation was undertaken on this scheme with the local community council, ward councillors, and other key stakeholders. In addition to this, two in-person consultation events were held in Carnbo and Dunning in August 2023.

In response to ongoing assessments and surveys, and to in response to landscape and visual effects, the decision was made to reduce Craighead Wind Farm to eight wind turbines. This created a narrower footprint and optimised the layout of the scheme, resulting in a total generating capacity of up to 49.6MW. 

As the generating capacity of the wind farm is between 20MW and 50MW, this is what is classed as a ‘major’ development under The Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009. Any subsequent planning application for it will be submitted to Perth and Kinross Council, as the planning authority, for determination.

Facts and Figures

Location

  • Nearest turbine is over 2km northwest of Carnbo
  • Site is 5.2km northwest of Kinross
  • 9km northeast of Dollar

Specification

  • Eight wind turbines
  • Mix of 180m and 200m blade tip heights
  • Generating capacity of up to 49.6MW
  • Wind farm operational lifetime of 40 years
  • Ambitious biodiversity enhancement proposals

Why Craighead?

  • Excellent wind speed
  • No national environmental designations on the site
  • Power the equvalent of up to 48,200 homes annually 
  • Save up to 31,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually
  • Local economic and social benefits, including a Community Wealth Fund worth up to £10 million

Community Engagement

At Galileo, we strongly believe in the need for early engagement regarding our projects, and we consulted and listened carefully to views on the proposals for Craighead Wind Farm, making changes where possible.

As part of this process, we believe in meaningful and effective Pre-Application Consultation (PAC), and engaged extensively with the local community in advance of the submission of a planning application to Perth and Kinross Council. This included local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders, such as community councils, other community organisations and councillors.

The purpose of the PAC process is to: 

  • Explain the proposal – number of wind turbines, size, scale and location.
  • Take account of the views and comments of all stakeholders in developing and refining the proposals, including the number of turbines and layout of the wind farm.
  • Set out the potential economic and community benefits of the proposed development.
  • Discuss the concerns that members of the community may have and provide answers to their questions.

As a major development, and in accordance with planning regulations, a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) was submitted to Perth and Kinross Council and other key stakeholders, such as councillors and community councils, in October 2023 (PAN reference: 23/00018/PAN).

This is a notice advising on how we intended to engage with the community on the wind farm development, prior to submitting the planning application. 

An application can only be submitted after a minimum 12-week period from the submission of the PAN,  and required us to hold a minimum of two in-person consultation events.

Public consultation event held in Carnbo, January 2024

Public consultation event held in Dunning, January 2024

Public Consultation Events 

As part of our PAC process, and in accordance with the PAN, we held a series of public consultation events in the local area.

These enabled people to learn more about Craighead Wind Farm, discuss the development with our project team and provide feedback, helping us to inform and improve our proposals.

A range of information was made available, including wirelines and photomontages, which helped to give an impression of what the site could look like from different viewpoints in the area.

The first series of these events was held in November 2023, which outlined the early-stage design of our project, and a second series was held in January 2024.

A newsletter was circulated to the local community and key stakeholders, providing details of the project and these public consultation events. 

Consultation Events – January 2024

consultation boards (PDF) Consultation wirelines & photomontages (PDF) newsletter (PDF)

This second series of public consultation events provided the opportunity to inform the local community of the proposals, including the updated design. People had the opportunity to speak to the team about the project and provide written feedback to Galileo.

These events provided feedback to the comments received from the November 2023 events, explaining what appropriate changes had been made to the proposals in response to these.

Consultation Events – November 2023

consultation boards (PDF) Consultation wirelines & photomontages (PDF) Newsletter (PDF)

Any written consultation feedback submitted to Galileo was considered by the project team as the wind farm proposals were developed and refined. This was in addition to feedback from key consultees, and the findings from the technical and environmental studies and surveys that we are undertaking, which formed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Planning Application Submitted

The planning application for Craighead Wind Farm was submitted to Perth and Kinross Council in August 2024.

This is accompanied by a variety of documents, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which summarises the studies and surveys we have undertaken, how our design has evolved to reflect this, and the ways in which any remaining impacts could best be managed

In addition to this, a Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) report was included with the planning application. This outlined what public consultation has taken place in relation to the proposals, and how any feedback was taken on board in the application, addressing any comments that could not be accommodated.

Indicative Timeline

  1. Underway

    2022-2024

  2. Submitted to the Scottish Ministers February 2023

    Opinion received May 2023

  3. Public Consultation Events

    August 2023

  4. Submitted to Perth and Kinross Council

    October 2023

  5. January 2024

  6. Submitted to Perth and Kinross Council

    August 2024
  7. 2025
  8. 2028
  9. 2029 (earliest)

Galileo’s Community Offering

Galileo is committed to developing projects that deliver substantial and tangible long-term benefits locally, fostering strong community relations.

If consented, significant funding will be distributed to local communities over the lifetime of Craighead Wind Farm through our Community Wealth Fund and Construction Community Fund, with an opportunity for community shared ownership also on offer. 

These are voluntary schemes, with the potential to deliver considerable long-term benefits, and are separate from the planning application.

Through our Community Wealth Fund, we adhere to the Scottish Government Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits, and offer a funding package worth £5,000 per MW of the wind farm’s installed capacity to local communities annually. This figure is index linked, so will rise in line with inflation.

We however go above and beyond this, with our offer of shared ownership and a Construction Community Fund, as outlined below.

Community Wealth Fund

The wind farm will provide a real opportunity to build and contribute to a lasting and sustainable Community Wealth Fund, benefitting local communities over the lifetime of the wind farm and beyond.

Galileo is committed to exploring with local groups and organisations as to how  such a fund, worth up to £248,000 per annum over the operational lifetime of the wind farm, can best be distributed. 

This annual figure is based on a generating capacity for the wind farm of up to 49.6MW, with each installed MW providing a guaranteed income of £5,000.

With an operational life of 40 years, this equates to a total Community Wealth Fund worth up to £10 million distributed to local communities. It should be noted that the real sum will be greater, as the community benefit is index linked to inflation.

We actively encouraged input from local communities concerning the types of projects and initiatives they would like to see benefit from the Community Wealth Fund, and have had many great suggestions. 

Some of these, which we would look to progress further with local communities should Craighead Wind Farm be consented, are highlighted below:

  • Renewable Electricity Discount Scheme (REDS)

The Craighead Renewable Electricity Discount Scheme (REDS) will provide a direct and tangible benefit to people living and working nearest to the wind farm. 

It is anticipated that this could be open to all residential, commercial and community properties located within 5km of the nearest turbine, if considered appropriate by the community.

A preliminary suggestion is that discounts on electricity bills range from £1,400 per annum for those properties located within 1.5km of the nearest wind turbine, to £200 for those between 4.5km and 5km (see map link below). Index-linked for the operational life of the wind farm, these payments will rise with inflation.

This £1,400 figure is based on the average electricity bill for the South of Scotland of £1,351 for the 2022/23 financial year.

Giving due consideration to feedback received as part of our consultation events, and our discussion with utility providers to date, we have been analysing a variety of options as to how and where REDS would be best facilitated, should it be taken forward.

It should be reiterated that this is subject to further consultation with local communities.

Reds map (PDF)

  • Community Projects

The Community Wealth Fund provides opportunities to support local community groups, village halls and venues, as well as to improve transport. There is also the potential to fund environmental projects, including rewilding, creating footpaths and supporting initiatives that tackle fuel poverty. 

  • Education and Training Fund

Galileo could set up a wind farm bursary scheme to encourage local students who want to extend their education but may not have the means to do so. Working with local schools, further and higher education providers, and Skills Development Scotland, this would support aspiring learners and those wanting to enter Modern Apprenticeships or develop land-based skills.

Renewables Sustainability Group

We have engaged with the Renewables Sustainability Group, which comprises a number of local community councils..

The Group has been established  to look at establishing a model which would allow the aggregate of any future community benefit funds from renewable energy developers to be optimised in the areas represented by the community councils.

This currently includes the following community councils – Fossoway and District, Kinross, Milnathort and Orwell, Glenfarg, Portmoak, Cleish and Blairadam, Earn and Muckhart.

Community Shared Ownership

In addition to the Community Wealth Fund, local communities surrounding Craighead Wind Farm will be offered the opportunity to take up to 10% shared ownership of it. The profits generated by any ownership stake can be used to benefit them through supporting local ambitions.

By participating in shared ownership of a renewable energy project, communities can share in a range of benefits including developing a sustainable income stream over which they have control, creating strong partnerships, and building resilience in their local area.

Galileo has a long-term working relationship with Local Energy Scotland, which is funded by the Scottish Government to help community groups become involved in  renewables, and is its adviser on shared ownership, providing professional advice and support to communities.

Additionally, our team is extremely well-placed having been directly involved in successfully delivering community shared ownership elsewhere in Scotland.

Construction Community Fund

A Construction Community Fund will be made available to local groups and organisations, from the start of construction until the wind farm commences operating. Totalling approximately £100,000, this will aim to help offset any inconvenience caused during the construction period.

Opportunities for Local Businesses and Suppliers

In addition to the community benefits already highlighted, some of the most direct and meaningful benefits that can be delivered from a wind farm proposal like Craighead are jobs and employment for local businesses and contractors, in addition to the use of local services and amenities..

All of these can generate a significant amount of inward investment in the area.

Galileo is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably practicable, local employees and contractors are used in all aspects of wind farm development.

These opportunities include:

  • Construction, fencing, drainage and forestry contractors
  • Electrical contractors
  • Materials suppliers, such as building merchants
  • Plant hire and security
  • Waste management and fuel providers
  • Local hospitality providers, such as B&Bs

Galileo is keen to hear from local businesses who may be able to offer skills and services to Craighead Wind Farm, and we are working with Perthshire Chamber of Commerce to maximise awareness of the opportunities available in the local supply chain.

If you are a local business and would like to know more about these, please contact us via our feedback form below or email us at craighead@galileoenergy.uk. There will also be the opportunity to engage with us at the consultation events highlighted.

Economic Impact Assessment

Click image to enlarge.

Jason Morin

Senior Project Manager

About Galileo

Galileo is a fast-growing renewable energy developer, owner and operator, with a mission to significantly contribute to achieving global emission reduction targets. 

We aim to do this by developing enough smart, efficient, high-quality and integrated green energy projects, so that renewable energy becomes the primary source of electricity for all energy consumers in Europe.

Founded in 2020, Galileo currently has a project development portfolio of over 7000MW across multiple European countries, including the UK, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Poland.

Our senior management team is made up of leading energy and investment experts that bring decades of international experience across more than thirty markets. Galileo’s funders are long-term infrastructure and pension funds with a global footprint, international mindset and a collaborative mentality.

For further information on Galileo and our UK projects, please visit galileoempower.uk.

Further Information

To discuss the Craighead Wind Farm proposal in more detail, please contact:

Jason Morin
Senior Project Manager

Email: craighead@galileoempower.uk

Telephone: 0131 202 3259

Address: Galileo, 7-9 N St David Street, Edinburgh EH2 1AW

References

1 BBC News, Climate change ‘our greatest threat’, 3rd December 2018