Monday March 2nd 2026
Scottish Borders Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Councillors today unanimously agreed to formally object to plans for a Tweed Valley windfarm amid concern over its impact on a “magical” and popular walking and cycling route.
When members of Scottish Borders Council’s Planning & Building Standards Committee met on Monday, March 2, they objected to Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit over Fred Olsen Renewables bid to construct eight turbines with tips up to 180 metres at Scawd Law near Walkerburn.
The application, which also incorporates an energy storage system, encompasses a large area of moorland that is located on the southern edge of the Moorfoot Hills.
Councillors came to their decision after a site visit to the proposed location and amid opposition from local community councils.
Councillor Viv Thomson, SNP for Tweeddale West, said: “The area they are looking at is a magical area.
“It’s an area that relies on tourism, it has aspirations to be a biking hub and we are investing to make all of that happen. This application has potential to be detrimental to that.
“We know that the communities are alarmed by this and the impact on this beautiful area and we should do our best to protect it.”
Councillor Eric Small, Conservative for Tweeddale West, agreed, adding: “This is a place of natural beauty, the Tweed Valley, and it is a very popular tourist area, for cyclists, mountain bikers, we’re building an innovation centre in Innerleithen that is costing millions of pounds to bring cyclists and tourists to the area and this is going to have an impact on the surroundings.”
Members were also told that the proposed development has been identified to have an adverse impact on golden eagles which benefit from protected species status.
A report to members stated: “Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the development will not adversely affect golden eagles and/or incorporate suitable measures to compensate for the loss their habitats.”
The applicant has said it was confident its plans were “appropriate for the local area”.
The application also comes with a “substantial” community benefit fund of £8m.
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