More than £1million could be channelled into Aberdeenshire community initiatives in the coming years through an innovative green energy scheme.
The Huntly and District Development Trust (HDDT) has secured a deal which it hopes will bring revenue generated from Cairnborrow Wind Farm, north of Huntly, back to the local area.
The group has signed a community partnership agreement with firm Engie, which is behind the 10MW wind scheme – due to become operational in January 2017.
As a result the trust will receive roughly £5,000 for every megawatt of installed generation capacity or 10% of the wind farm’s profits as a community benefit fund on behalf of the AB54 postcode community.
And a 25% share of this will be forwarded on to the Glass and Cairnie communities.
The agreement means about £50,000 a year – and £1,250,000 across the wind farm’s 25-year lifespan – will be made available to locals.
Chairman of the HDDT, Richard Hammock, said: “Not only do the development trust get money to help with social investment as part of the deal, but so do two immediate parishes.
“It is an example of how, if a community is prepared to take a risk and negotiate with a developer, they can do far better than the standard industry offer.”
He added the money would be used in a variety of different ways across the communities.
Mr Hammock said: “There will be a mixture of projects started by HDDT and projects shared with partner organisations. We certainly don’t want to do anything ourselves.
Last December, the trust was given permission to transform Greenmyres Farm at Drumblade into community land and facilities powered by renewables.
Engie managing director for energy infrastructure, Rob Tate, said: “This is a welcome and pleasing step in the ongoing development of Cairnborrow Wind Farm.
“We have enjoyed working closely with HDDT and the local community as the project has progressed, and we look forward to continuing that good relationship over the months and years to come.”
The money generated for the local community will be aimed at initiatives tackling fuel poverty and improving energy efficiency.
Cairnborrow Wind Farm is projected to generate enough renewable electricity for around 5,700 homes.