October 3, 2011
Scotland

Abercairney Estate windfarm backers issue mailshot in bid to win community support

By Alan Richardson, The Courier, www.thecourier.co.uk 3 October 2011

The developers behind a Perthshire windfarm proposal say it would create a £1.1 million community fund and support local projects.

The benefits of the Mull Hill windfarm near Crieff have been spelt out in a letter which has been delivered to over 5,000 addresses in Strathearn.

Abercairney Estate has teamed up with Force 9 Energy to resurrect plans for a windfarm on its grounds to the north-east of Crieff.

The plan is proving controversial with fears it could prove a turn-off for tourists using the scenic route through the Sma’ Glen, although the plans state it would not be visible from the glen itself.

Backers hope to use an exhibition this month, as well as the mailshot, to ease concerns.

It states: ”The Mull Hill windfarm represents an investment of approximately £22.5 million. Local labour will be used wherever possible and local companies will be encouraged to tender for works.

”The project will fund conservation and building projects which will require direct employment by the estate and ongoing contract work.

”The project could also benefit other businesses in the area. If the project went ahead, accommodation and other local services are likely to be required for project and construction staff. This would inject additional revenue into the local economy.”

The company has applied for permission to place a meteorological mast at the site and submitted a scoping report to Perth and Kinross Council.

The proposed turbines would have a maximum height of 104 metres and generating capacity of 22.5MW, enough to power over 11,000 homes.

At present the site is rough grazing land and the income from the power created would be used by Abercairney Estate to fund conservation work and promote tourism, according to the owners.

A potential six-figure community fund would also be created.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/03/abercairney-estate-windfarm-backers-issue-mailshot-in-bid-to-win-community-support/