British Solar Renewables (BSR) has submitted proposals to the Energy Consents Unit to deliver a 60MW solar park and a 60MW battery energy storage system on land at Craigo and Glenskinno, Montrose, Angus.
The submission follows a period of engagement and consultation with key stakeholders and the local community. This included a Meet the Developer event in November 2024, followed by public consultation events on 25 March 2025 and 18 November 2025 at Hillside Village Hall.
The proposals reflect changes made in response to feedback received throughout the consultation process. These include the full removal of the wind turbine element, a reduction in the overall solar area, increased distances between panels and properties and the redistribution of battery units across the site.
Angus Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and continues to work towards its climate commitments. The proposals represent a meaningful contribution to local renewable energy generation and are intended to support the security of energy supply in Angus and help progress Scotland’s national target of net zero by 2045.
The site covers 493 acres, with solar panels proposed across 316 acres, meaning almost 36% of the land will be used for biodiversity enhancements. As a temporary forty-year development, there is potential to remain in agricultural use with sheep grazing during the project’s life, before the land can be returned to farmland at the end of its operational life. This solar park will produce enough clean renewable electricity to power 17,441 homes per year*, a saving of 24,422 tonnes CO2e!
BSR’s Nature Protection Pledge commits to delivering a minimum sixty per cent biodiversity net gain on every solar project. This far exceeds the ten per cent statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021 and aims to create richer ecosystems, improved habitats and long-term environmental benefits for the area.
The project is expected to generate economic benefits for the local area. This includes business rates income for Angus Council, which can be used to support council services and programmes. To support local priorities, BSR will establish a Community Benefit Fund of up to £420,000. This will help deliver projects that matter to people living near the project, and BSR is keen to work with local groups to shape how the fund is used.
As a major renewable energy proposal, the application will be determined by the ECU with Angus Council as a statutory consultee. Residents can continue to access the exhibition boards from the most recent consultation event online at www.craigo-glenskinno.com.
Those interested can register for further information by emailing hello@craigo Glenskinno.com, calling 0131 202 3259, or writing to Orbit Communications, 42 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ.
Duncan Gray, Project Manager at British Solar Renewables, said:
“Submitting these proposals marks an important step in bringing forward a project that can make a real contribution to the renewable energy future of Angus and reflects our commitment to both renewable energy and environmental responsibility. We have listened carefully to the feedback received over the past year and the design reflects the feedback from local residents and stakeholders.
“Our approach ensures the development is fit for purpose for decades to come while delivering a substantial community benefit fund. We look forward to continuing constructive dialogue as the application progresses.”
*Based on an annual average domestic consumption per household (Great Britain) of 3,449 kWh. Source BEIS, Regional and Local authority electricity consumption statistics 2023