AN innovative solar energy development in the Borders was given planning permission yesterday,

The 19th-century Ayton Castle’s grounds will be home to 188 solar panels, providing 50KW of electricity, after Scottish Borders Council approved the plans by the castle owners.

The special high-level mounting system means livestock can still graze the fields unprotected under the panels.

Director of conservation charity WWF Scotland Lang Banks said: “Due to their age and construction materials, historic buildings can often be quite a challenge when it comes to trying to reduce energy use and cutting carbon. So while energysaving efforts should still be made, choosing to generate your own on-site renewable energy too makes perfect sense.”

This weekend, the first large-scale solar project in Fife was also given the go-ahead, with a total of 11,000 panels planned for sites at Tayport, Wormit and Crail.

Builder Green Hedge Renewables says the 3,300 panel site at Wormit can power 1,300 homes.

The largest of the sites at Tayport will house 5000 panels at the start of October.

As well as the development at Ayton Castle, plans have been submitted for a monster 40,000 panel site.