About the Project
Galileo Empower proposes the Longmuir Renewable Energy and Biodiversity Project (approx. 4.5km north of Stow in the Scottish Borders).
The development includes:
• Up to 10 wind turbines (up to 200m tall, ~72MW)
• Up to 50MW solar PV (covering approx. 55 football pitch-sized areas)
• Battery energy storage system (up to 40MW)
• New access roads, substation and associated infrastructure
Site History
This area was formally determined unsuitable for wind turbines in May 2014 after a Public Local Inquiry into the Rowantree Wind Farm proposal. Scottish Ministers refused the application due to unacceptable environmental and amenity impacts.
This is the third attempt to develop the same sensitive site.
Key Reasons to Object
• Previous Ministerial Refusal (2014): The fundamental landscape, visual, and environmental issues have not changed.
• Overwhelming Scale: Much larger than the 2014 proposal — 200m turbines plus vast solar arrays will dominate the Gala Water valley.
• Landscape & Visual Impact: Significant harm to the scenic Scottish Borders countryside and views from local homes.
• Noise & Residential Amenity: Potential noise pollution affecting quality of life for nearby residents and farms.
• Biodiversity & Wildlife: Adverse effects on local habitats, birds, and protected species.
• Cumulative Impact: Adds to pressure from other renewable developments in the area.
• Dangerous Precedent: Overriding a previous refusal sets a worrying precedent.
Grid Connection & Eskdalemuir Seismic Array
The proposal raises serious additional concerns regarding grid connection and interference with the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array (a vital UK Ministry of Defence facility for monitoring nuclear tests under the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty).
Developments in this area of the Scottish Borders fall within the Array’s consultation zone. Wind turbines generate seismic vibrations that can compromise the Array’s ability to detect faint signals.
Grid capacity in the region is already constrained, potentially requiring major new infrastructure, pylons, and upgrades with further environmental and visual impacts on the local area.
Threats to farmland
Prime organic farmland threatened by Longmuir Energy Project – Inchkeith Farm, Oxton
John & Lesley Wilkinson at Inchkeith Farm are rightly concerned about the proposed Longmuir Renewable Energy Project (turbine development).
As an organic farmer, John highlights the serious risks to:
• Biodiversity on their working farm
• His own renewable journey
• National security – specifically interference with the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array
The visualisations shown here are directly from Inchkeith Farm showing the massive scale and close proximity of the proposed turbines.
All videos & visualisations created by Claros Image Production
Take Action Now!
Stay informed. Object to the proposal. Protect our community.
• Donate to LEPIC
• Contact us: info@longmuirenergyinfo.co.uk
• More information at Lauderdale Preservation Group