HIGHLAND residents will see renewable energy in action as part of a unique festival in the region next month.
The inaugural Scottish Renewables Festival will involve a range of events being held in communities from Lochaber to Caithness, and in Orkney and Shetland, to promote green energy.
The festival, on June 13 and 14, has been organised by Scottish Renewables with the support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
There is a chance to get close to wind turbines at Burradale, in Shetland, where visitors can see the world’s most productive wind turbine, named Betsy, on Saturday, June 13, from 11.30pm to 4pm. The Forss windfarm in Caithness will also host a day of guided tours on the same day.
The Cruachan power station at Ben Cruachan, Argyll, will open its doors on both days, from 9.30pm to 4.45pm, when visitors will enter the massive cavern and see turbines converting water into electricity.
A list of all the events taking place is available on www.renewablesfestival.com
Anna Allan, HIE’s senior development manager, said: “We’re really excited about this event, as it’s the first time that something like this has been held in the Highlands and islands. We’re aiming to celebrate the region’s achievements in developing renewable energy sources.”
HIE is also working closely with communities and schools to spread the renewable energy message and resource packs have been sent to 200 schools. The agency has also launched a primary schools art competition for children in Primary 6 and 7 who must create their own renewable energy masterpiece, from artistic drawings and paintings to 3D models.
The shortlisted exhibits will be displayed on the HIE stand in the Eastgate shopping centre in Inverness.