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In a significant boost to Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions, Scottish Ministers have officially approved Vattenfall’s Ourack wind farm, a large-scale project set to rise near Grantown-on-Spey in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands.
The decision marks the culmination of a rigorous approval process, following endorsements from the Cairngorm National Park Authority and the Highland Council planning committees—both of which gave their backing in March 2023 and April 2024, respectively.
With 17 towering wind turbines, the Ourack wind farm is poised to inject 100MW of clean energy into the grid—enough to power approximately 64,000 homes. This milestone underscores Scotland’s push toward a greener, more self-sufficient energy landscape, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.
As the project moves forward, Vattenfall’s investment in the Highlands is expected to bring both economic benefits and environmental gains, further solidifying Scotland’s position as a leader in clean, renewable energy development.
Alison Daugherty, Vattenfall’s project manager for Ourack, said: "The decision to grant consent follows a lengthy development process, during which we have worked to incorporate feedback from the local community and stakeholders.
"We will now work with stakeholders, including residents and local businesses, to ensure that the proposal is constructed as sensitively as possible while offering opportunities to Highland businesses."
Craig Mills, chief executive of Cairngorms Business Partnership, said: "The Cairngorms Business Partnership welcomes the consent for the Ourack Wind Farm, which marks an important milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a sustainable energy future.
"This project exemplifies the power of collaboration between developers, statutory consultees and authorities, ensuring that the needs of people and the environment are carefully balanced.
"We are particularly encouraged by Vattenfall’s commitment to working with Highland businesses to deliver this project with sensitivity to our unique environment while creating tangible opportunities for local growth.
"This is a chance to demonstrate how sustainable development can drive economic resilience and innovation in the Highlands, and we look forward to seeing the positive impacts unfold."
Yvonne Crook, chair of Highland CIC, said: "We are pleased to see the Ourack Wind Farm development progress to the consent stage.
"Alongside their direct community consultation activity in the Cairngorms, Vattenfall has emerged as a key partner of Highland CIC, contributing significantly to strategic discussions surrounding the opportunities and community benefits that the green revolution in the Highlands can bring."
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