A new energy safari has been launched to encouraging Scots agricultural businesses into alternative energy provision.
Around 20 landowners, agents and local businesses from across the country took part in the tour near Elgin.
The scheme was being run in partnership by law firm Ledingham Chalmers, Scottish Land and Estates, Coneloch Renewables and Peter Graham and Associates.
It aims to show how small-scale hydro projects, wind developments and biomass installations can benefit their businesses, along with highlighting the issues of making such a step.
“There are a lot of rights for developers to consider, whether the wind farm is on land, offshore or on water inland,” said Ledingham Chalmers partner John Smart, one of the speakers at the safari.
“Their titles must be in order, they must have consent from banks and tenants, and be aware of the regulations that third-party organisations such as SEPA and the Crown Estate, put in place.”
Recent figures from the Scottish Government have shown a 15% rise in the number of farms receiving extra income from non-traditional energy sources over the last year, with 47% of Scots farms now in the renewables chain.
“We hope that by hosting the Renewables Safari we have been able to showcase the long-term benefits of diversifying into hydro and wind energy production, specifically the opportunity to improve their long-term revenues,” said Scottish Land and Estates’ Highland regional manager Drew McFarlane-Slack.
“Diversifying is now an important part in planning for the future.”
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