The public are to be given the chance to view plans for a groundbreaking new clean energy project off the north-east coastline next month.
Norwegian energy giant Statoil will give locals the chance to look over plans for its Buchan Deep scheme, 12 miles off the coast of Peterhead.
Two exhibitions will take place at the town’s Palace Hotel where the five-turbine project – part of the wider Hywind scheme – will be unveiled.
The events will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from noon to 6pm and on Wednesday, May 21, from 9.30am to 1pm.
Presentations will be given every hour on the hour and representatives from Statoil will be on hand to speak to visitors.
The masts will sit in water that is more than 300ft deep and will be capable of powering up to 20,000 homes making it Europe’s biggest floating turbine development.
Last night, in a turn of face, anti-turbine campaigners broadly welcomed the proposals heralding a more environmentally friendly way to produce energy.
Linda Holt, spokeswoman for campaign group Scotland Against Spin, said: “There are a number of big problems with fixed offshore turbines and this new floating technology could help to combat those.
“For example it will be much less damaging to the sea bed during the construction phase and, I would imagine, there would far less impact on marine life.
“However, I think that this is technology which should have been explored 10 years ago instead of simply going for the easier option.
“If more money had been spent in research and development rather than firms taking vast subsidies for onshore and fixed offshore turbines, a lot of the existing damage could have been avoided.
“I can also see that there may still be problems for vessels operating in the area as there are with fixed masts, but overall this seems a much more sensible option.”
A spokesman for Statoil explained the idea behind the exhibitions.
“The purpose of the events is to present status and plans for the project, and be available for questions and input around the activity that is planned in the Peterhead area,” he said.