Multi-million-pound plans are being drawn up for a giant energy park on the edge of Perth.
The historic Dupplin Estate is working on ambitious proposals to transform swathes of woodland to the south of the city.
Project leaders want to use solar power, new heat pump technology and a biomass facility to provide energy to thousands of local homes.
The project could link up with the £140 million Perth West development, which will see new housing and businesses created beside the A9.
And developers say it will create “significant” numbers of skilled jobs.
A spokesman for the Dupplin Renewable Energy Company, which is spearheading the development, said: “We are investigating the potential to create a mixed-use low-carbon energy park to supply high heat demand clusters within the city of Perth and the new development of Perth West, with locally sourced power.
“A wide range of renewable technologies will be included, along with associated infrastructure and access for vehicles.”
He said: “This site was selected due to its strategically important location close to the city and existing infrastructure.
“We are working closely with a range of parties including Perth and Kinross Council to ensure the project is integrated with the city.”
The company said a series of consultation events would be held to keep local residents up to speed.
“The driver for this development is Scottish Government energy strategy and the Tay Cities Deal, which are aligned with the UK’s industrial strategy in terms of the transition to a low carbon economy through projects that support skills development and employment opportunities,” he said.
“This project could have a transformative effect on the local economy, positioning Perth as a leading Scottish city in this field. This could lead to the creation of a significant number of skilled jobs, both in research and development, and in the design and implementation of these new technologies.”
He added: “This is a really exciting project which meets the need to reduce our carbon footprint nationally and also aligns well with the business sector in Scotland as part of the strong demand for low-carbon technologies and services.”
Councillors have been notified about a forthcoming planning application.
Deputy provost Willie Wilson: “Whilst I wouldn’t want to comment on this at this stage, there are a number of issues that need to be looked at relating to the sensitivity of this major gateway into Perth.”
He said the potential impact on the roads network and vibrations caused by construction work and traffic needed to be fully assessed.
The estate has been in the Dewar family for more than 100 years. It was first bought by John Dewar Jr, the 1st Baron of Forteviot, son Dewar’s Whisky founder John Dewar Sr.
The family’s whisky business started in 1846 and expanded with the establishment of the Aberfeldy Distillery. Dewar’s Whisky is now owned by Bacardi, however the family retain close ties with the Dupplin Estate.
The energy park will be built on woods at Lamberkin, Cotton, Coldwells, Broxden and Gallowspark.
The first of a series of consultation events, which was due to take place at Forteviot earlier this week, was cancelled and will be rescheduled.
