'Benchmark' Borders wind farm opened
- Published
Mr Moore said wind farms had a part to play in Scotland's energy strategy
A wind farm approved in what was described as a "benchmark" decision to overturn a council ruling has been officially opened in the Borders.
The 19-turbine Longpark development near Galashiels was rejected by Scottish Borders Council in 2005.
However, the then Scottish Executive ruled that the £33m project could proceed.
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore officially launched the EDF Energy Renewables scheme.
When the project was approved in 2006, SBC planning chiefs said it could encourage future developments.
Planning manager Alistair Lorimer said he believed the decision would become a "benchmark" by which other appeals against refusal could be judged.
"I am sure developers will take encouragement from this decision," he said at the time.
The wind farm is the first in Scotland operated by EDF.
The 38 megawatt facility is capable of generating enough electricity to power up to 19,000 homes annually.