WIND IN THE SAILS
PLANS for a community wind farm to benefit the people of Selkirk took a major step forward this week.
It came with the announcement that the Selkirk Regeneration Company (SRC) has been awarded a £140,000 sustainable energy loan by the Scottish Government for a 2 megawatt wind installation.
Back in 2009, the company, which has charitable status, held a referendum in the town, gaining 56 per cent approval to progress “the development of a wind farm of up to six turbines on the town’s North Common”.
That size of the loan and its stipulation on generating capacity means the project will be of a smaller-scale and, yesterday, the company offered assurances that the people of the town would be fully consulted as the project progresses.
“This funding will enable us to undertake a comprehensive consultation across the TD7 postcode area to determine the best size and location for a small wind farm to take forward into a planning application,” said SRC director Lawrence Robertson.
He added: “The next few months will see an exciting conversation about how to make the most of Selkirk’s natural assets to bring a real benefit to the area for current and future generations.”
Already site and environmental investigations are planned to the north and south of the town and Mr Roberston said the choice of site to take forward will only be made after a series of information events. There will also be a dedicated project website.
Fellow SRC director Dr Lindsay Neil told us: “After five years of work and debate about wind power, this is a great opportunity for our town to take the lead in southern Scotland by developing a truly community-owned energy resource.
“This is a loan we only pay back if the project gets support from the community and succeeds in being granted planning permission.”
Over the next few months, SRC will form a liason group representing local interests, including the common riding, and potential beneficiaries of funds generated over the lifetime of the development.
Dr Neil added: “The SRC wants a mix of enthusiasm, expertise and ideas to ensure this project is truly driven by the people, for the people.”
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Weather for Selkirk
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 36 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: South west
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