In early September I met with Chair Richard Hammock, Vice Chair Les Allan, and Development Manager Donald Boyd from Huntly & District Development Trust.  Tasked with improving Huntly and District, this organization is diligently pursuing renewable energy development.  We discussed previous schemes they had looked into, possible future studies, and their current windfarm project.  While there I was shown a new turbine under construction which is expected to be up and operational by this November. The income from this windfarm will be used to support the local social projects.

This funding will help ensure that this community continues to thrive. Huntly has a wide variety of sports clubs already in place, with a community pool funded in the 60’s still in business, a car club and e-bike programme also available.  In addition, the local scenery can be enjoyed from a new walk down the meadows or by the pond with the fishing club.

Farmers markets, races and arts projects currently bring people to the centre, which is the largest commercial town centre in Aberdeenshire.  In future they plan to increase support of arts and creativity programs in Huntly and the regeneration of houses and shops in the town centre will help ensure strategic growth and new employment opportunities.

The new wind turbine is located in Greenmyres, 65 acres of land purchased by the trust on behalf of the community.  In future, Greenmyres will be developed into a site for nature activities, social gathering, and renewable energy education.