Windfarm developers are offering Perthshire businesses up to £10 million worth of contracts.
The team behind the 11-turbine Green Burn project, near Alyth, has teamed up with Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Perth College to secure local labour for the scheme, which has yet to secure planning permission.
Christian Wilde, head of UK development for project leaders ABO Wind, gave a presentation to delegates at Perth College, outlining what contracts could be available during the construction phase.
He said: “As a wind developer, we feel that harnessing the resources and expertise in the renewables sector is vital if we are to fully realise sustainable growth and we hope to assist with supporting this in the local area.
“That’s why we are pleased to come together with such prominent local partners as the college and the chamber to hold an event to help raise awareness and promote the jobs and skills opportunities that are available in the renewables economy.”
Mr Wilde added: “We currently have projects at various stages of development from early site assessment through to planning and we are looking to invest up to £390 million into projects across Scotland in the coming years one of these being Green Burn, here in Perthshire.”
The 3MW turbines are earmarked for land at Shieldrum Farm, about three miles from Bridge of Cally.
A planning application is expected to be lodged in the coming weeks and if approved, the building phase could last for up to 18 months. Residents will get the chance to have their say on the plan once details have been submitted to Perth and Kinross Council.
Clark Crosbie, lead development project manager, added: “Our projects have a strong focus on helping to support socially and economically sustainable communities, for example helping local businesses to be in a position to benefit from ABO Wind’s investment.”
He added: “We are committed to ensuring where possible that services and equipment are provided by local companies.”