Our Roadmap
The Blacklaw Initiative is committed to a long-term ambition of transforming the Black Law Wind Farm into a community-led success story. As we approach the current lease expiry in 2032, we are building a path toward collective ownership that secures local wealth and resilient energy infrastructure for generations to come.
*Dates and milestones within this roadmap are indicative and subject to feasibility studies, formal community agreements, and successful funding rounds.
2026: Building the Foundations
The first stage of our roadmap focuses on establishing the core organizational structures and legal frameworks necessary to represent the community effectively. We are building the evidence base and local partnerships required to ensure a responsible and robust approach to the repowering opportunity.
Immediate Priorities
- Formalizing the Blacklaw Initiative coalition between regional trust bodies.
- Conducting initial feasibility studies and scoping socio-economic impacts.
- Engagement with local residents to define community priorities for 2032.
- Identifying funding streams for technical and legal representation.
December 2026 Milestone
Note of Interest: This is a formal signal to landowners and regulators that the community intends to be a central partner in the repowering process. It is a critical legal step required to reserve our seat at the table before larger commercial negotiations conclude.
Developing an Asset Transfer Request
By December 2027, the goal is to develop a robust Asset Transfer Request to the Scottish Government or relevant landowners. A credible request includes:
- A detailed business case proving financial viability.
- Evidence of broad community support and democratic governance.
- Technical specifications for the proposed repowering technology.
- Environmental and social impact mitigation strategies.
- Funding letters of intent and partnership agreements.
Mid-Term Milestones 2029-2031
Assessing the Opportunity
During 2026–2027, the focus shifts to rigorous technical and community assessment to understand the full potential of a community-led takeover. Proposed work includes:
- Initial feasibility studies and grid connection assessments.
- Local economic impact modelling for community ownership.
- Environmental scoping and preliminary site surveys.
- Baseline assessment of existing infrastructure and repowering capacity.
2028–2029 — Evaluation and agreements
Following the submission of the Asset Transfer Request, this period focuses on formal evaluation by the authorities and reaching primary binding agreements for the site.
- Independent review of the business case and community benefit model.
- Formal negotiation of heads of terms for the land and assets.
- Public consultation on the proposed long-term governance structure.
2029–2033 — Consents, design and finance
The pre-construction phase involves detailed technical designs, environmental consents, and securing the significant capital investment required for repowering.
- Submission of full planning applications for turbine replacement and infrastructure upgrades.
- Financial close with ethical lenders and community investment partners.
- Grid connection reinforcement and technical specification finalisation.
2032 — Current lease expiry
A critical junction point for the site. This marks the end of the existing commercial lease, providing the window for transition to the community-led model.
- Formal handover of site management responsibilities.
- Potential decommissioning of legacy turbines if path for repowering is fully secured.
- Activation of long-term community benefit stewardship protocols.
2033–2034 — Potential construction and operation
The final implementation phase where new, efficient wind energy assets are installed and the vision of community-generated wealth begins its full operational life.
- Mobilisation of local construction crews and site development contracts.
- Commissioning of the first new-generation turbines at Black Law.
- Commencement of the first full cycle of regional community funding distributions.
Keeping communities informed
We are committed to a transparent and evolving process. This roadmap serves as a living document, which will be updated regularly as we secure feasibility data, funding models, and formal agreements with stakeholders.
Local residents will be kept informed through digital updates, community meetings, and specialized focus groups. Open dialogue ensures we proceed responsibly while meeting the specific needs of our region.
Our immediate focus is building the partnerships and robust evidence base required to proceed. We invite you to join us on this journey to shape a sustainable, community-led future for Black Law.