Communities across East Ayrshire are being invited to review the final proposals for the Glen Water Wind Farm as the developer launches a second round of public consultations next week.

The updated plans for the project, located on the restored Garleffan and Grievehill site on a former opencast coal mine east of Netherthird, reflect detailed feedback gathered during the first consultation phase in April last year.

OnPath Energy says it sought to reach as many residents as possible through three full-day in-person events, an extensive online survey, targeted social media, and door-to-door conversations. The company, which has been developing renewables in the UK for two decades, also points to nearby projects including Lethans, Lethans Extension and Mill Rig Wind Farm.

If approved, Glen Water Wind Farm would comprise up to six turbines with a maximum tip height of 200 metres, generating enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of around 36,000 homes annually. The upcoming sessions will allow residents, businesses and community groups to view the refined layouts and speak directly with the project team before a planning application is submitted to East Ayrshire Council later this month.

Ewan Robertson, project manager at OnPath Energy, said: "We've listened carefully to the feedback from our first consultation and used it to help us shape the updated designs we'll be sharing next week. We know how important it is that these developments are shaped with communities, listening to local voices and insight to help guide every stage of the process."

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In response to local views, OnPath Energy has reduced the number of turbines from eight to six and lowered the proposed turbine height from up to 250m to up to 200m. Early engagement highlighted energy costs, history and heritage, and the environment as priorities for the area. The revised proposal therefore includes a pilot home decarbonisation initiative to help cut household bills through energy efficiency upgrades, a heritage trail to tell the site's mining story, and measures to protect peat bogs, which are important carbon sinks.

If consented, the scheme is expected to deliver long-term benefits including an £8.6 million community benefits package, shared ownership with a free 1% equity stake for the local community, and a targeted local economic spend of £1 million per MW, prioritising local businesses in the supply chain.

The project has already seen strong local participation. Pupils from Netherthird, Logan and New Cumnock Primary Schools helped rename the development, with 'Glen Water Wind Farm' chosen to reflect local geography and heritage.

Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager at OnPath Energy, said: "We've been encouraged by the positivity and passion local people have shown around our proposals. Throughout our conversations with local people, we've found there is a desire for a just transition to renewable energy that is done in a collaborative way which addresses local challenges, acknowledges the history and heritage of the area whilst maximising the long-term tangible benefits the project could deliver.

"I believe that together with communities, we have developed a proposal that responds to local feedback with a long term focus on delivering benefits that make a real difference to the lives of local people for generations.

"We will continue to build trust through open, transparent conversations as we develop long term relationships with all communities and key stakeholders around the project."

Public consultation events will be held at New Cumnock Bowling Club on 19 January (1:00pm–7:00pm), Netherthird Community Centre on 21 January (1:00pm–7:00pm), and Lugar Bowling Club on 22 January (1:00pm–7:00pm). Attendees, including the primary school "Clean Green Teams" from Netherthird, Logan and New Cumnock Primary Schools, will be able to explore detailed plans, view visual impressions and meet members of the OnPath Energy team.

If consented, the project would contribute to Scotland's renewable energy targets and bolster the UK's energy security. Subject to grid connection, the wind farm is expected to be operational in the summer of 2031.

Ewan added: "We're proud to be progressing a proposal that could transform a former coal mining site into a clean, sustainable energy source for future generations, while also ensuring real, tangible benefit for those living nearby for years to come."