Pupils living in Glenelg, Wester Ross, can now cycle to school each day safe in the knowledge that not only will their bikes stay dry in the newly erected bike shed but the solar panels on the shed roof will be busy producing energy for them to use in their own classrooms.

The 2kW of renewable energy from the panelled roof will feed directly into the 39 pupil school and is expected to produce approximately 2,100kWh of annual consumption which is about the same as a small house or flat.

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Councillor Michael Foxley, Chairman of the Council’s Climate Change Working Group, said: "The new bike shed will not only encourage more pupils to cycle to and from school but it is also a very visual and practical way of demonstrating how we can harness natural forms of energy for real benefit.

"As a council we are making significant progress in the energy management of our buildings which is especially important given the rise in energy bills.

"I am sure the new solar shed will prove to be a big hit with the young cyclists and will play an important part in cutting down the amount of energy used in the school building."

The bike shed cost £20K to install with 50% of the costs coming from a Scottish Government grant scheme.

This project is one of 32 solar panel developments which will be installed by The Highland Council, mainly in schools, before April 2010 at a cost of £450,000, half of which comes from the Government.

(GK/BMcC)