Craig Watch Wind Farm

Craig Watch Wind Farm is a proposed 10 turbine wind farm approximately 8km south of Dufftown on the border of Moray and Aberdeenshire. We are proposing turbines with a tip height of up to 200m, which will have a capacity of approximately 72MW.

Our full planning submission can be viewed on the Energy Consents Unit Website (Ref. ECU00002177) or in the Planning Documents section of this website.

Our Timeline

Our initial proposal for Craig Watch Wind Farm was published in November 2020. We exhibited a 16 turbine layout in March 2021 and a reduced 11 turbine layout in November 2021. Our Section 36 application was submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit in June 2022.

Between 2022 and 2024, we worked to address feedback from key statutory consultees. This led to the submission of Supplementary Environmental Information (SEI) to the Energy Consents Unit in November 2024. The SEI reduced the number of turbines to ten, removed a proposed Battery Energy Storage System, relocated the substation and optimised the turbine model to take account of improved technology and maximise potential generation capacity.

In May 2026, further Additional Information was submitted to provide an appraisal of a proposed grid connection route. The full grid connection route will be taken forward in a separate application under Section 37 of the Electricity Act. The full public notification of this submission can be found here, including how to view the additional information and how to make representations to Scottish Ministers.

What is happening?

Project updates

Get the latest updates and developments for Craig Watch Wind Farm, and feel free to contact us using the contact form.

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Local Suppliers

Our aim is to have the least impact and provide the most benefit to the communities in which we operate. The construction phase is one way we can create economic benefits through inward investment, a...

Stage 1: Site Selection (12 months)

Extensive research to identify suitable sites: positive indicators include good wind speed and minimal environmental and technical constraints.

No public engagement is carried out during this time because the site may not pass the criteria required for being suitable for development.
Stage 2: Pre-Planning (6 - 12 months)

We request the view of the Scottish Government and local Councils on the level of study required (known as "Scoping").

Scoping is sent to local and neighbouring Community Councils and consultees such as NatureScot, SEPA and Historic Environment Scotland. At this stage, it is expected that our initial proposals will evolve, taking information from studies and engagement with the public and statutory consultees.
Stage 3: Submit Planning Application, and Decision (12 months)

An application is submitted to the Scottish Government, accompanied by a comprehensive Environmental Report showing the results of all studies undertaken.

This is publicly available information and will be available on this project website. Interested parties and statutory consultees such as the local Councils can formally comment on the application.
Stage 4: Construction (12 - 18 months)

If Craig Watch is approved, construction begins at least one year after consent.

Construction typically takes 12-18 months and planning conditions are used to manage elements of construction.
Stage 5: Operation (33 years)

The turbines are managed from a regionally based maintenance team, and operations are controlled by detailed planning conditions.

We are committed to community benefit and shared ownership opportunities. A community fund is active throughout the lifetime of the project for worthwhile community initiatives.
Stage 6: Decommissioning (12 months)

At the end of the planning period, turbines are removed. A financial bond, parent company guarantee or another financial instrument is put in place before construction starts to cover this cost.

The project team

Woman looking into the camera and smiling

Kirsty Clarke

Senior Project Manager - Wind

Seumas Skinner

Community Liaison Manager

Craig Watch Wind Farm