A massive wind farm capable of powering the whole of the north of Scotland could be passed into part-community ownership.
Developers Force 9 Energy and EDF Energy Renewables want to erect 63 turbines up to 570ft tall to the south of Forres.
Once completed, the development is expected to be able to power nearly 190,000 homes.
Now a panel of experts has been organised for an event to encourage Moray locals to take a stake in the renewable technology to fund community projects.
Force 9 Energy’s head of planning and development, Andrew Smith, said: “Clash Gour presents an opportunity for communities to share in the revenue of a significant renewable energy project – and benefit from income over its operational lifetime and potentially beyond.
“The workshop event is designed to give interested community groups a solid understanding of the opportunities available, to help them get expect advice, independent support and ask questions.
“It’s a great chance to bring community groups together under one roof with experienced speakers keen to share their experience and insights.”
A presentation at the event will be given by Gordon Cowtan, a founding director of the Fintry Development Trust, which has a stake in the 15-turbine Earlsburn wind farm between Stirling and Glasgow near the Carron Reservoir.
The Scottish Government’s Renewable Energy Investment Fund and Local Energy Scotland will also be present.
Final plans are yet to be submitted for the Clash Gour development, which will almost encircle the existing Berry Burn turbines about 10 miles south of Forres but could be up to 250ft higher.
Last night Brian Higgs, chairman of Finderne Community Council, explained the principal of local-ownership of the turbines was worth exploring.
He said: “We’re interested in the concept. However, we have absolutely no experience of how it would work so we need to find out more.
“I’m going to the event to listen with interest. It would be very hard for rural groups like ours to consider it without expert knowledge.”
Mr Higgs added: “We need to see the final plans for the wind farm before we can come to a view on the turbines themselves.”
The workshop is on Friday, November 24 at Elgin’s Alexander Graham Bell Centre from 1pm to 5pm.
