Blackcraig wind farm approval gets mixed reaction

There has been a mixed response from community groups to the Blackcraig plans

The approval of a 23-turbine wind farm project in the Galloway hills has been given widely differing responses from two community groups.

The Blackcraig scheme was given the green light by the outgoing Scottish government on Tuesday.

Galloway Landscape and Renewable Energy (GLARE) called it an "erratic and intrusive industrial generator".

However, a spokesman for the Glenkens Sustainable Development Group (GSDG) said it could help regenerate the area.

The decision brought to an end a lengthy planning process for the Scottish and Southern Energy project.

It went to a public inquiry after being rejected by Dumfries and Galloway Council and was also delayed by the concerns over the impact on radar systems.

A statement from GLARE described the move to let the turbines proceed as an "appalling decision".

It said it remained convinced the proposal would be "environmentally damaging" and "do little to reduce carbon emissions".

The group said it had to "seriously question the purpose" of local residents taking part in the planning process only to see the council decision to reject the plans overturned by central government.

It said the majority of people in the Glenkens thought the proposal was "inappropriate".

Roland Chaplain of GSDG said the announcement had surprised him as he had not expected a decision for several months.

However, he said there was an opportunity there for the community to benefit.

Mr Chaplain said that revenue from the wind farm could be put back into the area and help with its overall regeneration.