Lammermuir Hills turbine deal brings wind farm closer

A deal has been agreed which paves the way for construction of a controversial Borders wind farm to begin.

Vestas has been selected to supply all 48 turbines for the development at Fallago Rig in the Lammermuir Hills.

Developer North British Windpower said the agreement had been reached by investor EDF Energy Renewables.

A spokesman said it meant building work could begin in 2011, with the wind farm expected to be fully operational within the next two years.

The project was the subject of a lengthy opposition campaign with claims the Borders landscape was being used as a "sacrificial lamb" to help meet renewable energy targets.

However, the Scottish government approved the plans saying they could be a "significant boost" to the area and the nation as a whole.