Around 50 jobs are to be created in the Highlands following a decision to approve an application to extend a windfarm, it emerged yesterday.
The Scottish Government has given the Millennium windfarm project, which sits between Invergarry and Fort Augustus, permission to erect six additional turbines.
The move will increase the 20-turbine farm’s capacity from 15 MW to 65 MW.
Millennium Wind Energy development project manager Alasdair MacPherson said he was delighted ministers decided to approve the application, which attracted nine objections.
“We are confident when it is completed the scheme will make a real contribution to helping Scotland meet its renewable energy targets.”
Energy Minister Jim Mather also announced yesterday that proposals to build a 29-turbine windfarm on the Altyre Estate near Forres had also been approved. The Berry Burn development, which attracted 140 objections, will have a capacity of 78 megawatts and generate electricity for the national grid. The two developments will supply green energy to the national grid which will power around 43,000 more homes across the UK.
Mr Mather said five full-time jobs will be created between the two windfarms.
“I am delighted to approve further investment to develop our vast natural potential, create more jobs and fuel the clean, green energy revolution,” he added.
“Renewable energy is a key sector for Scotland.”
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Peter Peacock said the two developments would make an “important contribution” to meeting climate-change targets.
“Wind power has a significant part to play in combating climate change,” he added. But that potential is not yet being realised.
“The world-class facility at the former oil construction site at Nigg could provide the ideal base for that in the north, where the fabrication skills exist. I would like to see the Scottish Government give that whole area more urgency and achieving that would be something to really celebrate.”