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Argyll and Bute’s latest windfarm project, which is capable of producing enough clean, green energy to power over 8,500 households, has been officially opened.
The Clachan Flats scheme near Cairndow consists of nine turbines which can together produce up to 15 MW of electricity.
The project was opened by ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) Managing Director Keith Anderson, the Duke of Argyll and John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth.
Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, Councillor Robert Macintyre, was also at the event along with Bute and Cowal Area Committee chair Councillor Bruce Marshall.
Councillor Macintyre said: “The council welcomes the proactive approach taken by ScottishPower Renewables in working closely with our communities to take forward renewable energy development in Argyll and Bute.
“There’s no doubt Argyll and Bute has a significant natural renewable resource, both onshore and offshore, and we want to ensure that we maximise the opportunities for sustainable economic growth for the benefit both of our communities and Scotland as a whole.
“The aim of the innovative concordat with ScottishPower Renewables is to ensure the successful sustainable utilisation of the area’s renewable resource.”
Part of SPR’s commitment to the communities surrounding Clachan Flats is the creation of a new community trust fund, administered by the Clachan Flats Windfarm Trust in Cairndow and the Inveraray Community Council, with the remit of supporting local projects and organisations.
Over £12,000 will be invested by SPR in this fund each year for the 25-year life of the windfarm.
Keith Anderson, ScottishPower Renewables Director, said: "Clachan Flats is an excellent location for a windfarm and will make a significant contribution to our expanding wind energy operations, as well as helping Scotland to achieve its ambitious green energy targets.
“The windfarm will be producing clean, green energy for at least the next 25 years and we hope that its presence will have a positive impact on the local community.”
(GK/KMcA)
