Locals offered cut in contentious Perthshire energy scheme

A design viewpoint from Meikle Findowie

Windfarm project could raise significant local sums

Local community groups will be offered a 10% ownership stake in a contentious Perthshire windfarm if it gets Scottish Government approval.

A scaled-back application for a 13 turbine, 93.6 MW energy development, 14km southeast of Aberfeldy, has been submitted collaboratively between Lanarkshire-based Muirhall Energy Ltd and Scone Estates.

The North Logiealmond Wind Farm blueprint has been reduced in scope from an initial 20 turbine plan, with 6 turbines also scaled back to 180m in size following opposition to the original vision.

Now applicants have pledged a potential stake of up to 10% for community groups to share in the financial benefits of the energy project, should central planners give the green light.

Novel model

An economic report by Biggar Economics on behalf of the scheme outlined potential gains to the Perthshire economy of £11.9m during the development and construction phase, with a further £1.3m a year when operational.

Non-domestic rates income has been estimated at £1.2m per year while Muirhall Energy has pledged an inflated £7000 per MW investment into a local community fund, netting £655 000 annually for local projects, if the windfarm proceeds.

However, it is the offer of a share in ownership, prior to construction, which is relatively novel, ‘creating sustainable income streams that can be used to support community development.’

In the supporting documentation, Muirhall say it has already completed a successful ownership arrangement (5%) at the 10-turbine Crossdykes Wind Farm in Dumfries and Galloway.

The local beneficiary group chose to offload their 5% stake when the wind farm was sold in 2022.

Design viewpoint submitted with plans

Local concern

Whether the modifications to the original plan (a Battery Energy Storage System was also removed from the original blueprint) and the potential economic spin-offs will be enough to appease sceptical locals remains to be seen.

Representations can be made to Scottish Government until 22nd November, with previous objections raised by Amulree and Glen Quaich residents and NatureScot, who voiced concerns for ‘potential effects on the River Tay National Scenic Area’.

The Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council voiced its concerns over the cumulative impact of energy schemes earmarked for the local area.

The project, should it go ahead will create 20 jobs, with 10 being local and businesses in the surrounding area will be given a tendering advantage when applying for construction contracts.

Scone Estates are plan partners and want to see local economic benefits

In the balance

Overall, it is estimated the project will save 119 000 tonnes of carbon per year over its 50 year lifespan but the decision by Scottish Government will not be cut and dried.

A previous application for a similar number of smaller turbines in the area was rejected in 2008, on landscape and visual grounds, although the Climate Emergency has placed new and urgent emphasis on the transition to renewable energy.

The new plans can be viewed at Bankfoot Church Centre, Birnam Arts and Chapelhill Hall.