Inauguration
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen MSP officially opened not one but two renewable energy schemes on Tuesday 1st August 2006 - npower renewables flagship Farr Wind Farm and Garrogie Hydro Scheme.
Despite a heavy down pour of rain throughout the day, measured at 40mm by the Farr Wind Farm rain gauge, the event was well attended by more than 100 people including those representing the local community, industry bodies, those that developed the site right through to the people that built the scheme.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen MSP (right) cuts the inauguration cake with npower renewables director, Kevin McCullough
Deputy First Minister, Nicol Stephen MSP, said: "We are committed to meeting our renewables targets and it is precisely because of developments such as these at Farr and Garrogie that we are well on course to achieve them.
"Recently I announced an additional £20 million investment in emerging technologies such as biomass and marine energy, to help ensure that we continue to harness Scotland's tremendous diversity of resource. The schemes here are further evidence of Scotland's capacity to produce renewable energy from a wide range of sources.
"As well as the environmental benefits, schemes such as Farr and Garrogie also bring enormous economic rewards to Scotland, boosting our economy and creating jobs. I am delighted to officially open both projects and congratulate everyone involved."
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen MSP (right) with npower renewables director, Kevin McCullough cuts the ribbon officially inaugurating Farr Wind Farm and Garrogie Hydro Scheme
Following presentations and a plaque unveiling by the Deputy First Minister and npower renewables managing director, Kevin McCullough, guests were invited to tour the sites. All then returned to a marquee that was set up in the forestry at the foot of the Farr site for a fantastic buffet.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen MSP tours Farr Wind Farm with guests and members of npower renewables staff
Kevin McCullough, Director of npower renewables said: "These two projects together increase npower renewables operating portfolio across Scotland to nearly 200 megawatts which represents around 40% of our total business. This marks a substantial investment by the company into the Scottish economy."
Guests listen to the Deputy First Ministers speech as he officially inaugurates the two schemes.
These 2 schemes are helping protect the environment not only through the generation of renewable energy but also through the extensive Environmental Management Plan that has been implemented at each location.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen MSP being shown the hydro turbines whilst touring the Garrogie Hydro Scheme powerhouse with guests and npower renewables staff.
During the construction of Garrogie measures were undertaken to protect local bat and otter populations in line with guidelines laid down by the Scottish Executives Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SSERAD). Further more, where the ground was disturbed re-instatement work has already been carried out and is beginning to gradually recover.
With the habitat at Farr consisting of highly-degraded blanket bog in an area used as grouse moor, a wider range of environmental techniques were employed to not only protect but also enhance the area. The Environmental Management Plan was conducted in liaison with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage and The Highland Council before and during the construction period.
National media interview the Deputy First Minister and Kevin McCullough following the official opening.
Some of the environmental work carried out at Farr ranged from building temporary silt ponds and water quality monitoring to maintain high water quality levels, to the re-location of sensitive and uncommon plant species such as Bog Moss Sphagnum hummocks. Cutting edge hydroseeding was also carried out - this involves applying a special bog and heath seed mix to damaged ground using a hydromulch technique. Around 50 hectares of land has been restored back to bog and heath.
Local Community
