​Energy firm Drax is considering installing hundreds of solar panels across eight historic hydro power stations in the south west of Scotland.

The sites, located in Galloway and Lanark, date back nearly a century and currently rely on electricity from the grid to power their auxiliary systems. Drax hopes that by generating renewable electricity on-site, it can reduce dependence on external power sources and improve the sustainability of the operations.

If approved, the plans would see around 1,500 solar panels fitted to the rooftops of the power stations. These installations could produce up to 482 megawatt hours of clean electricity each year, which is enough to meet the back-up power needs of the facilities.

Drax acquired the hydro schemes in December 2018. The Lanark system includes two power stations at Bonnington and Stonebyres, both situated near the town of Lanark. Commissioned in 1926, they are among the oldest operational hydroelectric plants in the United Kingdom.

The Galloway scheme was completed in 1935 and consists of six stations: Drumjohn, Carsfad, Kendoon, Glenlee, Earlstoun and Tongland. The stations span a wide area from north of Carsphairn to near Kirkcudbright.

Together, the Galloway and Lanark schemes supply enough renewable energy to power over 400,000 homes annually.

Drax said that the proposals remain at an early stage and are subject to further design work and planning approval. However, the company believes the project has significant potential to support its long-term commitment to renewable energy.

The solar panels would not replace the hydroelectric generation itself but would provide a sustainable power source for essential equipment and systems that support each plant's operation.

The move forms part of a broader effort to modernise existing infrastructure while maintaining the heritage of the historic sites.