Chleansaid Wind Farm

Project Summary

The site is located on the Dalnessie Estate, 13km to the north-east of Lairg in the Highlands. View the Location Plan for a detailed map of location.

The Chleansaid Wind Farm proposal comprises:

Up to 16 turbines, with a maximum height of 200m and a generating capacity of 96MW. View Consented Site Layout here.
On-site access tracks linking the turbines and connecting to the A836 road via the existing Dalnessie Estate road
On-site grid substation
Site office and staff welfare facilities
Community Benefits Package

Project Key Facts

Location	Dalnessie Estate, approximately 13km north-east of Lairg, Highland
Project owner	Chleansaid Wind Farm Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ESB Group (UK) Limited
Capacity	96MW export capacity
Turbines	16 GE Vernova turbines rated at 6.1MW each
Turbine dimensions	12 turbines up to 200m tip height and four turbines up to 180m tip height
Planning consent	Section 36 consent granted by the Scottish Government on 15 December 2023
Grid connection	Connection by SSEN to Dalchork substation
Construction	Mobilisation from autumn 2026
Commercial operation	Expected towards the end of 2028

Early Stage Development

In May 2020, ESB received an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion from the Scottish Government,

ESB submitted an application for planning consent to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit in March 2022, and received consent in December 2023. All planning application documents can be accessed via the ECU’s website using reference ECU00002031, or can be viewed and downloaded here.

View the Scottish Ministers Decision Letter here.

Environment and Habitat Management

The project has approved Habitat, Deer and Peat Management Plans. Environmental controls will be in place throughout construction, alongside measures for drainage, peat handling, habitat protection and restoration.

Environmental specialists will continue to support the development and delivery of the habitat management and peat restoration programmes.

Construction

Construction programme

The construction programme is planned across three main workstreams: civil works, electrical works and turbine works.

Autumn 2026: site set-up, A836 works, borrow pits and initial access works.
From spring 2027: access tracks and turbine foundations.
From summer 2027: substation and electrical works.
From early 2028: turbine component deliveries and erection.
2028: energisation and commissioning, with commercial operation expected towards the end of the year.

The detailed programme may change as construction progresses. Updates on activities that may affect local roads or access will be shared in advance.

Transport and access

Turbine components will enter through the Port of Nigg and travel approximately 75km to the site. On-site access will connect from the A836 through the existing Dalnessie Estate road, with approximately 5km to 6km of access track to the main wind farm area.

ESB recognises that transport and access are important local considerations. We will continue to engage with communities, landowners, road authorities and other stakeholders ahead of abnormal-load deliveries and other significant construction activities.

Community Benefits

Chleansaid Wind Farm will provide a community benefit fund of £5,000 per MW of installed capacity during its operational life, currently estimated at 35 years. Based on a 96MW capacity, this is expected to provide £480,000 each year.

ESB will work with local communities and representatives to help shape arrangements for the fund and ensure it responds to local priorities. The project will also encourage local businesses and suppliers to participate in suitable opportunities during construction and operation.

Chleansaid Wind Farm

Chleansaid Wind Farm