Fallago Rig wind farm seeks operational life extension

One of the most controversial wind farm developments in the Scottish Borders is seeking an extension to its operational life.

The 48-turbine Fallago Rig scheme north of Lauder was approved despite a six-year opposition campaign.

It gained permission to operate for 25 years but EDF Energy wants to bring that into line with a proposed second stage of the development.

If granted it would effectively extend its operational life by five years.

The first phase of the project in the Lammermuir Hills was opposed by a high-profile campaign.

Opponents eventually admitted defeat after a Court of Session ruling which rejected their bid to force a judicial review of approval for the project.

The wind farm was commissioned in 2013 with a condition that it could operate for 25 years - until 2038.

However, proposals are now in the pipeline for a 12-turbine extension.

EDF Energy Renewables has argued that extending the life of the first phase would allow for the whole site to be decommissioned in "one simple, unified phase".

The Scottish government will decide whether or not to allow both the expansion of the development and the extension to its years of operation.