HUNTLY residents will have the chance to view plans this month for a windfarm they would partly own.
Developer West Coast Energy has added a community turbine to its project at Cairnbarrow, north-west of the town, which could provide a significant cash windfall for the local economy.
The Welsh firm had submitted proposals for a 10-turbine windfarm to Aberdeenshire Council, and added the community turbine to the scheme this year.
West Coast Energy has formed a partnership with Huntly Development Trust to develop the project that would be the first to give residents in Aberdeenshire a share in a commercial windfarm operation.
A spokesman for the firm said the decision had been made in response to feedback from local consultation last November and in January.
The proposal, which has been given planning permission, could bring in more than £1.5million to the local economy over the 25-year lifetime of the development. Cairnbarrow windfarm, midway between Cairnie and Drummuir, would provide enough power to supply 13,000 homes.
Residents will have the chance to learn latest details of the project, and discuss details with representatives of both the firm and development trust, at drop-in information sessions being held at Glass Village Hall from 2pm to 7pm on October 18, and at Stewart’s Hall, Huntly, on October 19 between 10am and 4pm.