Wind Farm Benefit East Renfrewshire Communities In Scotland

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "I welcome the launch of the Whitelee Wind Farm Fund, a project that will empower communities to join the fight against climate change and support local economic growth.

"Scotland’s wealth of natural resources gives us the potential to be one of the leading nations in managing our environmental impact. Wind energy represents an unparalleled opportunity to boost our economy and enhance our environment for decades to come.

"The Whitelee wind farm has been rightly recognised for the excellent work done for both the environment and local community, recently being named overall winner at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning."

Councillor Alistair Carmichael, said: "As well as environmental benefits, having Europe’s largest onshore wind farm on our doorstep will give our communities financial support over the next 25 years. Though the fund is available across East Renfrewshire, projects from the areas closest to the windfarm, in Eaglesham and Waterfoot, will be given priority.

"Projects that could receive support should show a benefit to the community and could include sustainable energy initiatives, environmental improvements, community events, infrastructure improvements, tourism and leisure activities.

"We’re interested in hearing from projects developed entirely by community groups or they can work with other organisations, including the council, to deliver projects in partnership.

Applications to the Whitelee wind farm fund will be considered by a panel made up of a local councillor, representatives from Eaglesham and Waterfoot community council and East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and officers from roads planning and transportation.

Wave and tidal power plans unveiled

First Minister Alex Salmond today welcomed the signing of 10 project agreements to generate as much as 1.2GW of marine energy off Scotland’s north coast following the world’s first commercial wave and tidal leasing round.

The Crown Estate, which grants seabed lease development rights for marine renewable energy projects, announced that agreements have been signed to develop six wave and four tidal schemes in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.

The schemes range from 50 MW to 200MW – to deliver a total capacity capable of powering up to 700,000 homes and estimated capital investment in the region of £3 to £4 billion by 2020.