The Scottish Government is considering plans for a new solar farm to be established at Milltown Airfield south of the Moray Firth.

Moray Council said it had 'no objections' to the proposals by Elgin Energy Limited, which involves transforming the 114-hectare former wartime airfield by installing 200,000 solar panels across the site.

Its anticipated between 50MW – 100MW of electricity would be generated by the panels, which are 1x2cm in size and situated off the ground to allow for sheep grazing. In addition, one primary substation would be located on site, as well as 43 – 50 inverter stations and CCTV cameras for surveillance purposes.


Further proposals include some additional landscaping, including the planting of trees and hedges, while no current trees/woodland/hedges will be removed.

The council has proposed a number of conditions for the project, including the decommissioning of the equipment and the site restored after the 30 year permission expires.

Cllr Marc Macrae said: "Having already given the green light for a solar farm near Urquhart earlier this year, I'm pleased that we were able to confirm to the Scottish Government that we have no objection to this latest renewable energy project on our doorstep."

(LM/MH)