OnPath Energy has submitted a scoping report for a yet-to-be-named wind farm northeast of New Cumnock and will collaborate with local schools and community groups to select its name.

Originally part of Banks Group, which began coal mining in 1976, OnPath Energy is carefully approaching the site understanding the importance of the transition to renewable energy in the local community from the coal industry that preceded it.

The proposed site itself is situated on the restored Garleffan and Grievehill open-cast coal mine. The developer plans to host a series of consultations and workshops, ensuring community input is at the heart of plans to develop benefits to directly support local needs.

If approved, the project could generate up to 161.5GW/h of electricity per year, enough to power around 55,000 homes, while also delivering up to £5,000/MW annually in community funding to support local initiatives.

Ewan Robertson, project manager for the Cumnock and Doon Valley wind farm proposal, said OnPath is committed to shared community ownership with all its onshore wind projects, providing 1% shared free equity to local communities and a further share at market value.

“This project has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for the local community throughout its operational lifespan which will enhance the overall package of benefits we are committed to delivering from our already consented projects at Lethans and Lethans Extension,” he added.

“Our goal is to go beyond simply building a wind farm, we want to create a project that recognises the rich mining history of the local area and plays a part in the lands transition to being a provider of clean energy.

“To effectively accomplish this, we are actively engaging with local stakeholders to listen to community views, and how we can translate the feedback into making this project a valuable local asset.

“As we look ahead, our priority is to continue this dialogue and speak with as many people as possible, incorporating both concerns and positive feedback into our proposals before submitting a planning application.”

The proposed wind farm, located north of New Cumnock and east of Cumnock is set to comprise of up to eight turbines, with a maximum tip-height of 250 meters, making them some of the most efficient in the UK.

OnPath Energy will hold two rounds of public consultations, giving residents the opportunity to shape proposals.

The first round of consultations begins on 22 April in New Cumnock, followed by sessions in Lugar and Logan on 23 April, and concluding in Netherthird on 24 April.

These sessions will give local people the opportunity to share what matters most to them, with all input feeding into the design process.

A second round, scheduled for October 2025, will present the wind farm proposal incorporating community feedback on the design of the site and how the community benefit and shared ownership could work.

OnPath Energy’s partnerships and community manager, Aileen McCreadie, said: “Renewable energy projects should be shaped by the people who call these communities home.

“That’s why we’re fully committed to working hand-in-hand with local residents – a truly collaborative approach we call OnPath Together.

“We know that real engagement goes beyond just listening – it’s about making sure local voices shape the project in a meaningful way, from the very beginning. That’s why we’re inviting the community to play an active role, not just in shaping the plans, but even in naming the project itself.

“To honour the area’s rich heritage, we’ll be working with local primary schools to choose a name that reflects its history and tells a story for generations to come. The final shortlist will be put to a public vote, giving everyone the chance to have their say – both online and at our first consultation event.

“Though our engagement doesn’t stop there. Through creative workshops, we’ll be working with local residents to co-design energy reduction workshops that will support each individual in reducing their energy consumption – helping them to be kinder to their pocket and the planet.

“Alongside this, we want to hear what people would like to see on the site itself – from accessible pathways that guide visitors through the area’s rich history, to spaces that bring the community together.

“This is about more than just a renewable energy project – it’s about shaping a future that works for all  communities together.”

Ewan added: “We are committed to working with the community to create a wind farm that delivers long-term benefits while respecting the local environment and community members.”

OnPath Energy has been working in onshore renewables sector for almost two decades. In 2025 it acquired two new sites, Pates Hill Wind Farm in West Lothian and Milton Keynes Wind Farm in England.

In addition to the two new acquisitions, construction is set to begin on three new wind farms within the next 18 months, Mill Rig Wind Farm near Darvel in South Lanarkshire, along with Lethans and Lethans Extension Wind Farms near New Cumnock in East Ayrshire.

The company, owned by alternative asset manager Brookfield, is also advancing plans for the Bodinglee Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire and the Pond Flexible Energy Park near Bathgate.