Work has started on a north-east windfarm that will create enough energy to power at least 6,000 homes a year.
Five 328ft turbines were approved for Cairnborrow, near Huntly, last year and now the project is underway.
Developer West Coast Energy say that once it is operational, the windfarm could provide electricity for up to 6,300 homes.
Last night Paul Vernon, the firm’s project manager, said the scheme would also provide investment into the local community.
“Cairnborrow is a significant renewable energy development for Aberdeenshire: as well as making an important contribution to Scotland’s carbon reduction targets, and providing circa £13,000,000 pounds of infrastructure investment, the local community will also benefit via our community benefit funding commitment,” he added.
“We hope to complete the construction of the windfarm as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise any potential disruption to local people.”
The development is expected to be in operation for 25 years, and Huntly will receive 10% of the profits generated – at least £1.25million.
The funding will be administered via the company’s partnership with the Huntly Development Trust, which will work to ensure the payments from the windfarm are invested in agreed schemes and initiatives.
Part of the community benefit fund will also be targeted towards initiatives that help tackle fuel poverty in the region with charity Energy Action Scotland, the local authority and development trust.
The Welsh energy firm had originally planned to install 10 turbines at the Mains of Cairnborrow site in May 2011, but the revised proposals were eventually approved last summer.