Blacklaw Windfarm

January 12th 2006 saw the official opening of the UK`s Largest windfarm. Opened by Nicol Stephens MSP, The windfarm is just outside the village of Climpy
near Forth.
The 54 giant 2.3mw turbines (124mw total) are now operational.
Because the project was created on the site of a former open-cast mine, the local environment has improved tremendously, notably breeding waders and farmland birds are returning.

The output from Blacklaw will meet the needs of more than 69,000 homes, also reducing carbon monoxide emissions by over 280,000 tonnes a year.

Blacklaw has received a number of awards including Best Renewable Project 2005.
Landscape opposition
The executive said that the plan has integrated nature conservation, renewable energy and other land uses on the derelict site.
Plans for wind farms have attracted vigorous local opposition, especially in more scenic parts of Scotland's landscape.
The pressure group Views of Scotland has alleged that greater regulation is needed to balance the needs of power generation with the detrimental impact on the environment. It has claimed that what it called the uncoordinated and unbalanced rush into wind power has stifled other forms of renewable energy by diverting investment from them.

Windfarm Open Day, An open day was held on the site on 26th August 2006 and was well attended, with a bus tour taking you to a wind turbine , there the visitors were given an informative talk about the turbines , with details of output, also the improvements carried out on the site to help the environment.

Access Strategy. The windfarm has provided over 24km of tracks, this provides a potentially valuable resource for public access. The strategy will take place in the Autumn of 2006 once the windfarm is completed.

Unauthorised motor vehicles (quad bikes etc) will be prohibited from the site via cctv and remote controlled gates.The main entrance for public access will be from the B715, just north of Climpy. Equestrian and disabled access will be permitted.

The main entrance is beside the public car park , A pedestrian gate will remain unlocked. There will be a series of gates to stop farm animals from straying, these will remain unlocked, Waymarkers will be erected to assist the public and display boards will be erected at points of interest. Car Parking will be for up to 20 cars.

The Covenanters Monument. Access to the monument will be signposted from the main entrance. The public will be directed along the windfarm tracks towards turbine 55 , then onto the existing Muldron Forest Track for approximately 1km.