RESIDENTS living near a community wind turbine in Aberdeenshire are being urged to have their say on how profits will be used.
People at Udny are being encouraged to get involved and reap the benefits of the green energy scheme.
The Udny Community Trust Company spent five years working on the project at Tillymaud Farm.
The 262ft turbine, which could provide enough energy to power 60% of houses in the area, was built and financed by the local community.
Funds raised from selling energy to the National Grid will go directly back to the area.
It has been estimated that revenue from the scheme could reach £4million over the next 20 years.
North-east MSP Mark McDonald met recently leading members of the trust to hear about the project and visit the site.
He said: “The story of the Udny wind turbine is a fantastic example of a community taking the initiative in order to reap the benefits of renewable energy.
“The wind turbine is set to raise significant sums which will be used to benefit the community and I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the trust to ensure that they can have a say on how the money is spent within the community.”
Brian McDougall, chairman of the trust, said the project had proved to be a lot of hard work for the community.
He added: “We have had excellent support from all of the community, but the two primary schools of Pitmedden and Udny Green deserve a special mention, especially for all of the hard work they put into the community consultation events.
“All of the profit from the wind turbine will go into the Udny Community Trust Company who will disperse the funds into the community.”
Mr McDougall said that membership was open to all residents of Udny parish aged over 16.
The area consists of villages including Pitmedden and Udny Green, and is home to around 2,000 people.