Caithness Residents to Explore Benefits of Renewable Development
20th November 2009
Developers behind the Spittal Hill wind farm, Steven and Tom Pottinger, will be giving the people of Caithness the opportunity to view and provide comment on updated plans for the 30 turbine wind farm, and also outline proposals for a potential experimental archaeological centre and the delivery of a Caithness-wide community benefit fund which renewable energy providers in the area could pay into.
A public exhibition will be held at Caithness Horizons, Old Town Hall, Thurso on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd December (see Notes to Editors) by Spittal Hill Wind Farm Ltd. This will outline the delivery of an archaeological centre, and also look at various potential options for community benefit from renewables, both locally and within Caithness as a whole.
The event will follow the submission of an addendum for the wind farm development to the Scottish Government.
Backed by Norwegian company, Statkraft, Europe's largest generator of renewable energy, the proposed wind farm on Spittal Hill is likely to bring a number of benefits, including:
c.£150,000 per annum to the local community.
The development will meet the average needs of some 45,000 households and offset the annual release of 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
c.£375,000 to Highland Council in business rates per annum.
The capital cost of the development is c.£112 million. It is estimated that locally based businesses could benefit to the tune of £20million. In addition to employment jobs associated with the running of the wind farm, 100 construction jobs are likely to be created.
Local firms in the quarrying and construction industry could benefit from contracts awarded by the wind farm development. The development would provide a source of diversified income to nine different localized businesses.
The event will outline the potential development of an archaeological centre in the area, which is strongly supported by Spittal Hill Wind Farm Ltd. Consistent with a network of other heritage projects in the county, including the River of Stone, such a centre could not only provide much-needed local employment, but will give a significant boost to the Caithness economy, increasing tourist visits and "bed nights" within the area. Other options being explored include construction of a replica broch, a centre to house a fossil collection and promotion of the local flagstone industry. Representatives from AOC Archaeology Group will be present to answer any questions.
The exhibition will also highlight a number of options for community benefit locally from the development, including an annual payment to the community council, annual payment to a separate community trust, ownership of turbine(s) by the community and local people becoming share-holders.
A survey undertaken in 2006 found the establishment of a community trust to be the most favoured option.
The issue of a possible Caithness-wide community fund will also be explored, with renewable energy providers paying contributions into a single pot which could be administered by local people for the local community. The principle of a Caithness Wide Fund could avoid some of the potential divisiveness which can arise when funds are distributed in a rather arbitrary manner. It must be stressed that provision should be made for those closest to and most affected by a development.
In respect of a Caithness-wide fund, the developers have been in contact with charity, the Scottish Community Foundation, which helps companies establish and communities manage benefit funds across Scotland e.g. the Drumderg Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund in Eastern Perthshire. Exploratory talks have also been held with the Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
With a potential payment of £2,000 per MW, a wind farm such as Spittal Hill would have £150,000 of annual index linked benefit for the local community, and with other local benefits in the area would provide a substantial economic boost to Caithness.
Tom and Steven Pottinger will answer any questions there may be regarding the establishment of a potential fund.
Tom Pottinger from Spittal Hill Wind Farm Ltd commented:"The options we will be presenting the public with regarding a community benefit fund are not just exciting proposals locally, but also afford a great opportunity for Caithness as a whole and we very much welcome people's views on what could act as a template for community benefit throughout the Highlands. We would also very much welcome views and opinions regarding the benefits renewable energy developments could bring, and feedback on the potential development of existing initiatives in the area, particularly increased visitor facilities centred around recreation and heritage."
Daljit Singht, Development Director at the Scottish Community Foundation said:"We have considerable experience of helping companies establish and communities manage benefit funds, and have had positive initial discussions on the establishment of a potential community-wide benefit fund for Caithness. This exhibition is a great opportunity for local and other key stakeholders to have their say on this and other potential local options."
The public exhibition will be held at Caithness Horizons, Old Town Hall, Thurso on Wednesday 2nd December from 12pm until 7.30pm and on Thursday 3rd December from 10am until 7.30pm.
The Spittal Hill wind farm proposal by Spittal WIndfarm Ltd consists of 30 turbines on the eastern flank of the hill, between the A9 and A882 to the east of Spittal village. The wind farm would have an installed capacity of up to 75MW, meeting the average energy needs of some 45,000 households and offsetting the annual release of over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Following the submission of a detailed Section 36 (planning) application to the Scottish Executive in April 2007, with submission of a full environmental assessment, the developers will submit an addendum by the end of November.
Further information: www.spittalwindfarm.co.uk
