A renewable energy scheme that will help fund a ground-breaking project for vulnerable young people has been officially opened in Perthshire.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney unveiled the Buckny hydro-electric scheme, near Butterstone, which will produce enough renewable energy to power 500 homes for 100 years.
Fed by the Buckny burn, which runs down from the hills of Riemore to Butterstone village and into the Clunie Loch, the scheme means a large swathe of Perthshire is now carbon neutral.
Mr Swinney then visited the nearby New School, Butterstone, where pioneering provision for young adults was announced as part of development plans formed in partnership with Buckny Hydro and the neighbouring Riemore Trust.
The school, which has served children with additional support needs for the past 23 years and has been hailed for its innovative approach to education, has launched a new venture for 18 to 25-year-olds, providing a programme to help them from school into further education, housing and employment.
The New House project is the first stage in an ambitious masterplan, developed through the Riemore and Butterstone Partnership, to build state-of-the art accommodation and facilities for children and young adults who arrive at the New School from local authorities throughout Scotland.
Alexander Linklater, Buckny Hydro partner, said: “It has been four years in the making the work of an incredible team of engineers, environmental specialists and contractors from Perthshire, Cumbria and Northern Ireland and we are very proud of the Buckny scheme.
“I hope we can show our MSP an example of renewable energy paving the way for sustainable development in the gateway to the Highlands.
“We need partnerships between energy, education, enterprise and local government to develop a living, working place. If Buckny Hydro is the economic backbone of our partnership, the New School is its social heart.”
Sir Andrew Cubie, chairman of the New School, said he was delighted Mr Swinney visited to hear of their plans.
“He has taken a close interest in our work over many years as we enhance the opportunities for young people from across Scotland,” he said.
Head teacher Scott Gordon said: “At the New School, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to make such a positive impact on so many young lives. Seeing our students grow in confidence and contributing to their development as individuals is our trade and inspiration. We also need to grow as a school, improve accommodation and facilities, and work in partnership with local government to give future generations of struggling kids a better chance in life.”