On Monday (14th September), Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell, opened a pioneering new community windfarm project in South Lanarkshire. Situated at Marshill Farm in Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, the three newly installed turbines at the site will not only generate electricity but also generate income to the benefit of the local community.
We own, operate and maintain the electricity network in Central and Southern Scotland and have played a vital role in the construction of the £1.28M project, installing over 6km of cable and 3 customer substations in order to connect the windfarm to the electricity grid. Our engineers have worked closely with the community group to meet required timescales to ensure the energy scheme brings maximum benefit to the local community.
Through the Lesmahagow Development Trust, the local community shares ownership of the Marshill Farm wind project and the income it generates will be used to meet community needs. Plans include:
- Training schemes for local young people
- Support for shops which provide local services and employment
- Upgrades to local sports facilities
- Affordable social housing schemes
Craig Arthur, our Lanarkshire District General Manager, said: “It has been a pleasure to support such an ambitious community project. The windfarm at Marshill Farm will bring a real tangible benefit for the local people in Lesmahagow, and we look forward to seeing the proceeds of the investment put back into the community.”
“We work closely with many community groups often at the very early stages of their projects to advise on the process and the of the viability of getting a connection.”
Chris Morris, project manager at Local Energy Scotland, said: “This project is a great demonstration of rural business and community working together. This is a fantastic example of a diverse team of stakeholders working together to create a brilliant outcome for the community of Lesmahagow. We are delighted to have supported the project through the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.”