Craigo Glenskinno Solar Park

British Solar Renewables (BSR Energy) is bringing forward proposals for a new solar, wind and battery development on Land at Craigo Glenskinno within Angus, Scotland. The site is located approximately 3km north-west of the town of Montrose. The proposals represent an opportunity to boost green energy generation to meet the UK target of net zero by 2050.

In 2019, Angus Council declared a climate emergency. In the same year, it also published a 9-point plan to achieve net zero emissions in the region. In 2022, Angus Council also published its Transition to Net Zero Action Plan 2022-2030. This document outlines the Council’s target to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030, aligning with the current Scottish Government legislation. To meet these targets and respond effectively to the climate emergency, an urgent shift away from polluting fossil fuels toward clean energy solutions, such as this development, is essential.

This development will not only contribute to the generation of clean energy but will also deliver a range of additional benefits. The development is being designed to retain existing hedgerows, provide a good distance from existing woodland, and include planting of native trees, hedgerows, and wildflower grass areas. These measures will not only reduce potential visibility of the development but also seek to enhance biodiversity by providing wildlife corridors and vital resources for mammals, birds, and insect species. The development will have a biodiversity net gain of at least 60%, which far exceeds the 10% target as outlined in the Environment Act 2021. The scheme will also generate Business Rates to the Local Council – this additional income can be used by the Council to fund Council run services and programmes.