HIGHLAND communities will benefit from £28 million thanks to the UK’s newest onshore wind farm.
SSE Renewables has finished the construction and commissioning of the £350m Stronelairg Wind Farm, located near Fort Augustus.
The wind farm, which has 66 turbines, is capable of generating enough energy to power 160,000 homes.
To celebrate the end of the project, the Stronelairg Community Development Fund has been launched to help develop rural infrastructure, community projects and skills and development opportunities in the area.
Everything from new medical facilities to sports hubs can apply for support, with £1,183,500 set to be handed out every year for 25 years.
Jim Smith, SSE Renewables managing director designate, said: “Completion of the wind farm early and on budget is testament to the skills of the teams involved and of course we thank the local community for their support.
“SSE Renewables is intrinsically connected to the Highlands, we’re committed to supporting the communities we’re part of and firmly believe locals should share in the economic benefits renewable energy creates.
“The fund is a significant contribution to the local economy with the ability to change lives and we look forward to seeing this money invested in a wide range of projects and facilities which will deliver a real and sustained benefit for decades to come.”
In addition to the community development fund, money is also being added to SSE Renewables’ Highland Sustainable Development Fund.
This fund supports strategic projects to allow the benefits of renewable energy developments to be shared across the region. It will invest £50m over 25 years across the Highlands.
Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, said the fund was welcome “at the time when so many local groups are struggling to find the money needed to progress their projects”.
He added: “Access to this fund will enable our communities to develop infrastructure, improve services and invest in projects to benefit the people living and working in the local area. It really is a great opportunity for local people to bring their ideas to improve their community to life.”
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