A community-owned windfarm development in Perthshire could generate £650,000 a year for organisations in the area.
A team of residents have been examining the feasibility of the project and will gauge the wider local support for such a project at consultation events to be held in Balbeggie, Burrelton, Guildtown and Coupar Angus in the coming weeks.
The windfarm will be near Balbeggie and, though the exact site and the number of turbines have yet to be established, its supporters are in no doubt of the financial benefits it would bring.
Suggested uses of the revenue raised by the windfarm include the creation of a local orchard, the upgrading of cycle routes, and significant improvements to sports facilities.
“Carbon reduction and environmental projects, such as funding for people to purchase solar panels for their homes, could be yet another use of the funding,” said a spokesman for the Windfall Community Trust.
“However, one of the core reasons for the consultation, in addition to views on a windfarm, is to find out what community projects local people would be most keen to see funding used for.”
The trust say the funding would be available for community groups in Balbeggie, Burreltown, Guildtown, Coupar Angus and the surrounding hamlets. The money would be allocated by the trust on the basis of need, rather than on the type of project.
Balbeggie resident Lynn Anderson has been very involved in the initial feasibility discussions on the windfarm and is enthusiastic about the potential benefit.
“The idea of a 100% community-owned windfarm really appeals to me,” she said.
“It means the profits from the project stay in the local community and help us improve our area with various community-led projects.”
Another local resident, Mike Robinson, said it was important to win the support of the community.
“Whilst there appears to be a possibility of, perhaps, £650,000 or more a year being injected into local community projects through this scheme, it is essential that we understand the views of as many local people as possible to its development and potential impact, both positive and negative.”
Members of the trust have said they will only proceed with the windfarm project with community backing. To help people make up their minds, a range of consultation activities has been planned.
Local residents are invited to find out more about the community plans at street stalls outside Scotmid in Coupar Angus on February 14 from 9am until noon, and outside the Keystore in Balbeggie from 1pm until 4pm.