June 2012 - RES CELEBRATES OPENING OF HILL OF TOWIE WIND FARM

Today, Renewable energy company RES celebrated the opening of Hill of Towie Wind Farm, near Keith, Moray. Special guest Richard Lochhead, local MSP for Moray, attended the event and officially opened the 48.3MW wind farm by cutting the ribbon.Around 80 guests attended the opening including business and environmental representatives and members of the local community.

The event also included a prize giving ceremony for the winners of an art competition organised by RES. Pupils from Crossroads, Keith, Botriphnie and Newmill Primary Schools took part in the competition and their winning designs were put on commemorative mugs.

Richard Lochhead MSP said, "Today's official opening of a new wind farm in Drummuir marks our community's significant contribution to Scotland's renewable targets. This is a local story that is very much part of a national and global story. This development plays a role in helping our society use a mix of renewables to deliver clean energy to our homes and businesses, and tackle climate change."

He added: "I also welcome the effort being made to engage with the local community who must be at the heart of our renewable revolution and community benefit is central to this. I am pleased that through this development local children are able to learn about natural resources, energy and our environment which is another vital ingredient for a bright and secure future."

Gordon MacDougall, RES UK & Ireland Chief Operating Officer, said: "RES is delighted to officially open Hill of Towie Wind Farm. To share this event with the local community and all those who helped develop and construct the wind farm has made this day very special. This latest project demonstrates our ongoing success and commitment to renewable energy in Scotland. With sustained commitment from the Scottish Government, wind energy can continue to lead the way towards a more sustainable future, bringing benefits to the environment and the economy through the production of a clean, sustainable and local energy source."

RES has also established a community fund which will see more than £78,000 available to support local community projects every year during the lifetime of the wind farm. The fund is administered by Keith based sustainable development charity REAP and managed by a Decision Making Panel made up of members of the local community.

Ruth Anderson, REAP Trustee, said: "REAP are pleased to administer the community fund which will make a difference to the rural community around the wind farm. Any group who would like help in filling out an application form for the fund can come to the REAP office in Keith for assistance."

Applications for the fund can be obtained from REAP's office in Keith, 177 Mid Street or by contacting 01542 888070.