OnPath Energy has brought together East Ayrshire Council, the East Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, onshore wind developers and local firms to coordinate a five‑year pipeline of projects, after analysis by BIGGAR Economics indicated a potential £2 billion boost to the local economy.

The inaugural East Ayrshire Developer Forum, hosted by OnPath Energy on 23 April, aims to strengthen collaboration and ensure planned onshore wind investment translates into tangible gains for local people and businesses. Priorities include maximising supply‑chain opportunities, creating jobs, supporting business growth and encouraging young people to stay in or return to the area.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment by developers and the public sector to improve coordination, visibility and planning for upcoming projects. It aligns with recommendations in the Scottish Government's Onshore Wind Sector Deal, designed to help local contractors, suppliers and training providers prepare early and compete for contracts with confidence.

A study by Edinburgh‑based independent consultancy BIGGAR Economics found that onshore wind projects in East Ayrshire's pipeline over the next five years could deliver around £2 billion of investment into the local economy.

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Robin Winstanley, sustainability and marketing director at OnPath Energy, said: "Over the last twenty years we've seen firsthand the benefits onshore wind brings for local businesses and communities. The independent analysis undertaken by BIGGAR demonstrates the huge scale of the opportunity and what can be achieved with public and private sector collaboration.

"This proactive and collaborative approach ensures that we turn investment into opportunity for local businesses maximising the benefits we can all deliver for the East Ayrshire economy whilst delivering on the aims of Scottish Government's onshore wind sector deal."

Future actions agreed by the group include joint meet‑the‑buyer events to widen access to contracts, structured data‑sharing, and closer working with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) to phase and coordinate construction more effectively. A joint communications effort to highlight the benefits of investment has also been confirmed.

Iain Cockburn from Brockwell Group added: "The Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal is clear that collaboration between developers is essential if we're serious about maximising economic benefit. Forums like this give local businesses real visibility of what's coming, allowing them to plan, invest and build capacity with confidence.

"By working together, we can make sure the scale of onshore wind investment in East Ayrshire translates into jobs, skills and long‑term opportunities for the local economy."

The forum will act as a platform for coordinated work on skills planning, inclusive procurement and STEM engagement opportunities.

David McDowall from East Ayrshire Council commented: "We have a huge opportunity in East Ayrshire to realise the benefits onshore wind can deliver for local businesses and our communities as well as the potential to deliver skilled jobs, apprenticeships and meaningful opportunities for young people without them having to leave the place they call home."

Next steps include mapping project timelines and procurement needs so local suppliers can plan recruitment, invest in equipment and upskill their teams. The first "Meet the Buyer" event is expected later this year, led by East Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and East Ayrshire Council.