A north-east wind turbine that took an enterprising Buchan community nine years to install will soon begin boosting local causes.
Fetterangus Community Association (FCA) finally erected its 252ft wind turbine in 2013 after 10 years of planning and securing the necessary funds.
Local youngsters from Fetterangus Primary School cut the first sod on the ground at Toux Farm, where the turbine – which has the ability to generate enough electricity to power nearly 300 homes – stands.
The income, which will be distributed by Fetterangus Power Ltd on behalf of the association, was expected to set up the village for years to come, and provide support to local groups and housing projects.
Now, a ‘Planning For Real’ exercise – a nationally recognised community planning process – has identified the need for extensive renovation of facilities in the area, particularly as the village hall falls into a state of disrepair.
The facility needs renovation works, upgrades to its heating system and a re-think of its services to meet the changing needs of local people.
FCA chairman Colin Wood hailed the turbine as a “legacy” project for the village.
He said people had been waiting for years the reap the benefits of a project they had invested so much time and energy in.
“Every penny that we make from this will be reinvested straight into our community. Everyone will benefit – from age zero to one hundred,” he said.
Surveyors had suggested a small wind turbine would help reduce bills.
Acting on advice from Enercon, a German wind turbine manufacturer, the association decided to invest in a new 800KW machine with a proposed life span of 20 to 25 years.
Last night, a spokesman for the FCA explained: “Fetterangus Power Ltd is a wholly owned single share company owned by Fetterangus Community Association (FCA).
“The profits of the wind turbine are donated to FCA to carry out the aspirations of the village.
“The four key areas for investment are to provide and maintain community assets, to reduce fuel poverty, to support and grow community clubs and organisations, and to hold an emergency fund.”
The group also secured £400,000 in funding from Big Lottery to construct the £1.25million turbine.