Locals are calling for a community fund to be established if a £250million windfarm off the north-east coast is given the go-ahead.
Stonehaven and District Community Council has urged the developer behind the Kincardine Offshore Windfarm to draw up plans for the scheme to benefit projects along the coast.
The marine application licence for the eight-turbine venture will be decided upon by Marine Scotland later this year.
Earlier this week, Aberdeenshire councillors debated the plans by Kincardine Offshore Windfarm Limited (KOWL) – which was set up by former deputy first minister Lord Nicol Stephen and Allan MacAskill.
Aberdeenshire Council did not object to the project, which would be located roughly nine miles out to sea. Every turbine would be 577ft high.
Community funds are commonly created, alongside onshore windfarm schemes in order to help with local projects and initiatives.
Such enterprises have been set up at the likes of Meikle Carewe and Hillhead of Auquhirie windfarms, near Stonehaven.
Chairman of the Stonehaven and District Community Council, Phil Mills-Bishop, estimated thousands of pounds could be funnelled back to communities which neighbour the development – from Altens to Portlethen and Newtonhill to Muchalls.
He added: “The turbines are gargantuan things. If they have a windfarm, there should be a community fund.
“They have made no mention of those communities affected along the coastline. Most of the windfarms we are involved with have donated, over two to three years or more, sums to a community fund.
“I see no difference between offshore and onshore. The affected communities would be Stonehaven, Portlethen, Altens, Muchalls and Newtonhill.”
Last night, Lord Nicol said KOWL would have to await the outcome of Marine Scotland’s decision on the licence for the project before the details of any fund could be drawn up.
He added: “It is a good point and something we’ll certainly be discussing with Marine Scotland and the Scottish Government if we do get consent. As you know, we are a small test and demonstration project.
“It is worth saying the government might say there should be different rules for demonstration projects. I wouldn’t want to unfairly raise expectations and wouldn’t give a sum of money or quote a figure.
“Ultimately the decisions are from Scottish ministers. We are hoping to get a positive decision before the end of the calendar year.”
