The benefits on offer
Community investment funds through renewable energy
Background work by our energy consultants, Locogen, supported by Local Energy Scotland, confirms that Wind’s Eye’s exposed location next to the 8 existing wind turbines at Dummuies/Greenmyres could support 3 larger modern wind turbines with a capacity of 16 megawatts (16 MW). This could generate ca £1 million per year for community investment for decades to come.
Independent research shows that the economic benefit of such community-owned energy is 34 times that of community benefit funds from commercial projects. All profits stay locally, supporting jobs, training, facilities and further town centre regeneration. We’ve already demonstrated this through our Greenmyres turbine. With public funds under ever-increasing pressure, securing independent income will become increasingly important to future-proof investment in Huntly and District.
The proposed turbines would be ca 180m tall, about twice the height of the existing ones at Dummuies/Greenmyres, but similar to other local proposals. This increased scale is needed to make projects financially viable due to higher costs and removal of previous incentives/subsidies. Also, turbine manufacturers are phasing out smaller models so by the time our project would be commissioned (post-2030), only such larger models will be available. We will work creatively with nearest neighbours to mitigate any loss of amenity.
We understand that not everyone likes wind turbines, but they do generate income at a level unmatched by any other opportunity available to rural communities like ours. When any planning application for the energy project is submitted to Aberdeenshire Council it will be subject to the normal statutory process, including further community consultation.
View the Gartly Moor wirelines and photomontages (PDF) to see what the proposed turbines would look like in the landscape from a range of viewpoints.
Access and recreation
HDT ownership of Wind’s Eye would support managed, welcoming woodland access via:
- Improved walking and cycling routes both within the forest and to/from neighbouring communities
- Family-friendly and accessible paths
- Mountain bike and multi-use trails
CR Contracting and Collective Trax have produced initial plans for cycling trails in Wind’s Eye. Read the cycling trails summary (PDF) or the full cycling trails report (PDF). If purchase is successful, we will develop these further in consultation with bikers, walkers and others. Access improvements will be designed to respect wildlife, forestry operations and be inclusive of different ages and abilities.
Health, wellbeing & education
Experience at Greenmyres and elsewhere shows that Wind’s Eye could support:
- Outdoor learning & forest school activities
- Training in woodland management & rural skills
- Activities for schools, youth groups, & older residents
- Volunteering opportunities
Access to nature improves physical and mental wellbeing, reduces isolation, and strengthens community connections.
Nature, biodiversity & climate action
A key aim of our woodland management at Wind’s Eye would be to enhance opportunities for wildlife, improve biodiversity and contribute to tackling climate change, just as we’ve done at Greenmyres. Under HDT ownership and management, we would:
- Generate significant green electricity through the proposed wind project
- Protect and enhance habitats for species such as wildcat, red squirrel and woodland birds
- Increase the diversity of tree species
- Restore wetlands and heathland where we can
- Improve long-term woodland resilience to climate change
We’ve already carried out ecological and ornithological studies as part of our early work on the proposed energy project.
We have also engaged with Saving Wildcats, NatureScot and others to agree opportunities to enhance habitat for wildcat in Wind’s Eye, Gartly Moor and the wider area.
Economic development & employment
HDT ownership of Wind’s Eye would provide opportunities to boost the local economy, creating jobs both on and off-site:
- Increased outdoor adventure activity from Greenmyres
- Creation of woodland huts and/or small-scale visitor accommodation
- Timber harvesting & processing
Community ownership would not stop commercial forestry at Wind’s Eye, but some areas would be managed primarily for nature and landscape benefits. Where harvesting continues, it would support local and regional timber markets, provide income and allow us to:
- Balance timber production with environmental & social goals
- Use a mix of clear-fell & continuous-cover forestry
- Gradually increase native & mixed woodland where suitable
