Westray offered £96k community sustainable energy loan

Energy Action Westray has been offered a loan of £96,000 for a 500kW wind project from the Scottish Government’s community sustainable energy loans.

The renewables project is one of 42 across Scotland — backed by £4 million pounds — which will help power 26,000 homes. The loans, offered through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), will help with the pre-planning costs of renewable energy projects.

Colin Risbridger, of Energy Action Westray, said: “We are currently reviewing the terms and conditions with other community interests on the island to see whether we will progress the project and accept the loan offer.”

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Farmers understand the benefits to be gained from renewables, but have told me they are put off pursuing schemes by the expense of reaching the pre-planning stage.

“These loans help farmers and land managers overcome that hurdle and take up the opportunities offered by renewables.”