Fintry Renewable Energy Enterprise

NEWS

9 March 2004

Windfarm developers offer to add 15th turbine at Earlsburn

The village of Fintry is well on the way to jointly building with commercial wind farm developers West Coast/RDC a community wind turbine which will meet the energy needs of the whole village. After a period of close collaboration between the community and the developers, we are pleased to announce that an additional (15th) turbine will be added to the proposed Earlsburn wind farm development. This collaborative initiative will enable all members of the village to benefit from the wind farm development. West Coast/RDC are keen to promote the long-term aims of the Fintry community for a renewable energy future.

The offer to develop a wind turbine for the community has been made possible through the support of the village community council, the establishment of a voluntary association run by and for the community (Fintry Renewable Energy Enterprise) and through close collaboration with SCHRI, and Stirling Council. The partnership of these different groups has created a credible and responsible alliance that has been able to work with West Coast/RDC in achieving this ambitious goal. The initiative has been supported by local MSP Sylvia Jackson and has attracted interest across Scotland.

Unlike many wind farm developments, this project has been positively received by Fintry community. The creation of a true community model where all residents stand to benefit from a local resource marks out the Fintry project from other community models in the UK. In the past, local involvement has been limited to annual payments reflecting the generating capacity of the proposal being received by the local community, plus the opportunity for individuals who can afford it to invest directly in the project. The Fintry model aims to make residents much more aware of both the use of energy and the positive benefit of renewable generation.

Norman McKnight, chairman of the Fintry community council said, "We're very excited about this. The chance to benefit directly from a local wind farm has certainly been a catalyst for the community in considering the positive aspects of this development."

The local MSP, Dr Sylvia Jackson said, "This is great news. The community model shows how sources for renewable energy can also address the issue of energy poverty. I very much hope that what's happening in Fintry can be used as a model for other wind developments in Scotland."