Hundreds celebrate wind farm opening
MOTHER Nature demonstrated her power during the Berry Burn Wind Farm’s Family Fun Day which took place on Saturday.
Despite wind and rain, more than 400 hardy adults and children enjoyed a day of entertainment and activities at the site near Dunphail, to help mark the official opening of the renewable energy project.
“The event was a great success,” said director of Statkraft UK and its subsidiary, Berry Burn Wind Farm Ltd, Sergio Castedo.
“Having so many people of all ages there was a fitting way to officially open the wind farm.”
Kite flying displays, lessons and design sessions, magic tricks, balloon modelling, a mini Highland Games and Highland dancing were among the attractions, organised by wind farm operators, Statkraft, as part of the company’s good neighbour and local involvement approach.
The free community event also featured interactive circus skills, face painting and a bouncy castle, while there was an opportunity to learn more about the site and see inside a turbine.
The capacity crowd enjoyed locally-sourced food and funds raised at the event helped two local charity partners; The Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust; and Friends of The Oaks who help support Moray’s palliative care centre in Elgin.
Berry Burn Wind Farm came into full operation in May this year. Its 29 turbines can produce enough clean energy annually to meet the electricity need of more than 43,000 households.
In a year-long programme of information and consultation events, Statkraft has also sought involvement from local people on the priorities and operation of a £166,000-plus annual community benefit fund stemming from Berry Burn.
It will provide an annual income to support local projects and details will be released soon about how individuals and groups can access the fund.
A range of local volunteers from across the locality are working to establish the community benefit fund.
“We have worked in partnership with the community every step of the way regarding the development via consultations, open days, presentations and other activities,” said director Sergio Castedo.
“We aim to maintain a strong and participative relationship throughout Berry Burn’s operation.
“Many people took the opportunity on Saturday to provide further feedback about the wind farm and to enquire about the Berry Burn Community Benefit Fund, and what we have heard has been very positive.”