The Highland Council has revealed plans to install solar panels across its estate.

The project will generate more than £4 million over the course of 20 years as well as helping to cut down on carbon emissions.

This week, the local authority's Corporate Resources Committee approved a self-financing project to use £2.3m of capital to install 2.5 megawatts of solar panels on sites across the Council estate.

It is estimated a net profit of up to £4.01m will be generated over the next two decades, after repayments for the £2.3m investment have been made and accounting for maintenance, insurance, fees and charges. In addition, around 1,000-tonnes of carbon emissions will be reduced.

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Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Cllr Alister MacKinnon said: "The Administration is committed to looking at new ways to generate income, make savings and for the Council to become more commercial so I am glad the Committee has given the go-ahead so work can progress."

Chair of the Redesign Board, Cllr Bill Lobban, added: "This is a fantastic project which will bring substantial income to the Council. Staff and Members of the Redesign Board have done a huge amount of work in bringing these plans to fruition and I look forward to yet more innovative projects coming forward."

The Commercial & Continual Improvement Team will now work with the Energy and Sustainability Team, Councillors and building users to confirm the optimal locations for the panel sites and coordinate implementation.

(LM/MH)