Scotland’s first commercial wind farm has entered a new era after a major repowering project that will deliver significantly more clean electricity and a dramatic increase in community funding.
Hagshaw Hill, near Lanark, first began generating power in 1995 and is widely credited with launching Scotland’s onshore wind sector. Now, after a full overhaul by ScottishPower Renewables, the site has been transformed with modern, high-capacity turbines capable of producing five times more energy than the original machines.
The wind farm’s 26 older turbines have been replaced with just 14 new models, boosting output to more than 79MW, enough to supply the equivalent of 57,000 homes. ScottishPower says the project shows how repowering established sites can accelerate progress towards Scotland’s 2030 onshore wind targets while minimising environmental and planning impacts.
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Charlie Jordan, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, said: “Hagshaw Hill started Scotland’s wind revolution – and now it’s back online, supercharged and ready to lead the next chapter. We’re proud of what this site represents: powering homes, powering communities and powering Scotland’s clean energy future.”
The repowering programme supported more than 100 jobs across turbine technicians, construction workers and local contractors.
It has also delivered an industry first in turbine recycling. Every blade removed from the original machines will be processed by specialist firm Plaswire, which turns composite materials into low-carbon products for the construction sector.
Andrew Billingsley, CEO of Plaswire, said: “We’re pleased to have been awarded this significant contract to recover the Hagshaw Hill blades and return these materials back into industry. Plaswire’s recycling process diverts waste from incineration, reducing CO2 emissions and replacing high carbon construction products.”
With the upgraded turbines now generating significantly more power, the site’s community benefit fund is also expanding sharply and will rise to nearly £400,000 per year, 26 times the previous contribution. The funding will support projects across Coalburn, Douglas, Lesmahagow and Rigside & Douglas Water for the next quarter-century.
Iain Lindsey, chair of CDLR, which administers the fund, said: “CDLR is proud to be working with SPR and we’re delighted to be the force that will deliver local community benefits for the next 25 or so years.
“This will enable us to support even more projects that will make a real difference to people’s lives and leave a lasting legacy in our area.
“It really is fantastic to see Scotland’s first commercial windfarm continue to deliver clean energy and new opportunities right here where it all began.”
ScottishPower says Hagshaw Hill’s transformation sets a strong precedent for similar repowering projects across Scotland, combining increased clean energy generation, circular-economy solutions, and long-term benefits for local communities.
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