Two new renewable energy projects to support local communities have been revealed by landowners Luss Estates.
Last year it was announced that the estate – which owns some 45,000 acres to the west of Loch Lomond – was working with Helensburgh Renewables, an offshoot of Helensburgh Community Development Trust and Green Cat Renewables, to build and operate a five turbine community wind farm above Rhu.
Now a feasibility study is underway to develop a hydro-electricity project to raise funds jointly for the Arrochar and Tarbet and Luss and Arden communities.
The project, based on the Ant’ Srang Burn above Arrochar, has been initiated by the area’s community development trusts with Luss Estates committed to provide land rights as well as practical support.
Simon Miller, chief executive of Luss Estates, said: “Developments in renewables technologies are opening up opportunities for communities, particularly in rural Scotland, to provide long term funding solutions for important local projects.
“By combining our land and management resources with the aspirations and drive of local development trusts, you have a potent combination.
“Both Helensburgh Community Wind Farm and the Ant’ Srang Hydro Scheme are projects initiated by, and for, local communities with the potential to deliver transformative returns.”
As revealed here last year, there has been a steep increase in hydro power schemes in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
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