THE company behind plans for a wind farm on the hills above the Vale of Leven is to hold an additional public event this week giving residents the chance to ask questions about the plans.

Coriolis Energy is hoping to secure permission for 10 turbines, each up to 250 metres tall to the tip of the blade, on land at the western end of the Kilpatrick Hills.

The height of the proposed turbines would make them among the highest in Scotland if permission for the project is granted in its current form.

The company's 'Vale of Leven Wind Farm' plans are for a site on Auchenreoch Moor, to the east of Bonhill.

The firm says the additional event, being held at Loch Lomond Rugby Club's base in Bonhill, has been organised following requests from residents.

The site is more than 2km away from the nearest homes, in parts of Bonhill, while Alexandria, Dumbarton and Gartocharn are less than 10km away.

The latest consultation event follows on from a recent community council meeting and a request by residents at the meeting to hold an event at the rugby club for nearby households.

James Baird, Coriolis Energy's project manager for the Vale of Leven proposal said: “We are holding an additional exhibition after a request from residents to hold an event at the Loch Lomond Rugby Club. 

"We look forward to presenting our plans and receiving further feedback from local residents and community representatives. 

"We are keen to hear views on the plans for the wind farm as well as around the £350,000 community benefit fund and shared ownership of the project.

“If consented to, the wind farm proposal can make a meaningful renewable energy contribution and provide clean, green energy. 

"The Vale of Leven project represents a significant investment into the local area and we are committed to working with local companies where possible to deliver the wind farm.”

Coriolis say their proposals include a 'community benefits' package of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity, which would generate £350,000 every year for the lifetime of the project. 

This money would be paid out to groups in the communities nearest the wind farm site, and Coriolis say they are keen to hear views from residents and groups on ideas around the use of community benefit. 

In addition to community benefit, there is the opportunity for community/shared ownership, giving the local community the option to invest in and have a stake in the wind farm.

The proposal was originally for 19 turbines, though this has been reduced through further studies since an initial scoping assessment was submitted to the Scottish Government in April 2022. 

The proposal includes plans to co-locate battery storage on-site to maximise the use of the grid connection.

This week's event at Loch Lomond Rugby Club's base off Beechwood Drive in Bonhill, will be held on Thursday, March 23 between 2pm and 7pm.

The project could deliver enough renewable energy to power over 52,000 homes, making an important contribution towards the Scottish Government and West Dunbartonshire Council’s net-zero targets.

The developer aims to submit an application in Summer 2023 and plans to issue a newsletter in advance of the application submission and hold further information events at submission.