Arran to embrace the Wind!

[10 January 2006]

Local people are being invited to get involved in a potential wind farm for Arran . The proposed wind project will produce clean green power and play its part in combating climate change.

The Arran wind project is being promoted by a new company, Arran Wind Power Ltd, which has been set up by local farmer and developer Kenneth Bone and Scottish renewable energy company GreenPower.

Kenneth Bone said, "I am confident that we will achieve our aim of Arran having a wind project for our whole island community to benefit from”. He also suggested that,

“The project would sit well with the perception of Arran as a healthy and clean environment and the positive green branding of other produce associated with the island”.

Initially, locals are being invited to attend one of two participatory events to be held at:

Lamlash Community Centre – Friday 27 th January 2006, open from11am until 8pm

and

Whiting Bay Village Hall –Saturday 28 th January 2005, open from11am until 8pm.

The events have been set up to provide a unique opportunity for locals to find out more about the wind farm proposals and influence the type of development taken forward. The format allows people to drop in at any time to gather information, give feedback, see the displays or find out about community ownership. Robert Forrest, Managing Director of GreenPower said, This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Arran to contribute to the type of development that gets taken forward and I hope everyone on the Island will get involved”.

Isle of Arran Community Council, in response to the announcement, stated “The Community Council recognises the need for other sources of energy and, in principle, endorses the scheme as proposed by Kenny Bone and the Arran Wind Power Company. The Company and Kenny have communicated with the Community Council on a regular basis and have kept us well informed of developments.” The Community Council said “We as a Community Council would recommend that if any person has views on the proposed area or about wind farms in general, they attend the events offered on the 27 th January in Lamlash and the 28 th January in Whiting Bay ”.

Arran Wind Power is also offering local people the opportunity to register their interest in community ownership of the new wind project, through the GreenFutures initiative. Robert Forrest said “Early support of the local people is essential, to demonstrate an interest in community ownership so the right steps can be taken to make this possible".

If you are interested in the GreenFutures community initiative please provide us with your details....click Here