South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news that plans for a 45-turbine wind farm are to be taken to a public inquiry.

Councillors in the Borders opposed the Faw Side scheme which would stretch into Dumfries and Galloway.

The Scottish Government will now have the final decision on the scheme after an inquiry is held into Community Windpower’s project.

Colin Smyth wrote a letter of objection to the Scottish Government about the plans back in 2019.

Colin Smyth said: “I am happy that there is now going to be a public inquiry about this project. I expressed my objections back in 2019 and my thoughts haven’t changed.

“While a number of constituents had contacted me about the lack of proper consultation about the project, this wasn’t the only issue.

“The area in question is extremely rural and the strain on the local road infrastructure from transporting components from Lockerbie to Faw Side would be enormous. The proposals for Air safety lighting on the turbines would also have an adverse impact on the local landscape.

“I will look forward to the findings of the public inquiry and I hope the Scottish Government takes its evidence and the views of the local community very seriously.”