Sleat Community Wind Energy Development

A community wind energy development located in Sleat in South Skye is now a step closer. Sleat Renewables Ltd (SRL), a subsidiary of Sleat Community Trust, has gained planning permission to erect an anemometer mast at A'Mhaoile in North Sleat. The equipment, which will be installed by Glenelg based company Chillwind before the end of this year, will detail the average monthly wind speed and direction at the site over a period of 18 months.

In another positive announcement SRL has also confirmed that they have reached agreement for the leasing of the site around A'Mhaoile from local estate Fearann Eilean Iarmain. Donald MacGregor, chairman of SRL, said "The erection of the anemometer mast is vital to establish the potential energy output from the wind at this site and thus is key to calculating how best to move the project forward". He added "We are delighted to have agreement with Fearann Eilean Iarmain for the leasing of the A'Mhaoile site and thank them for their positive approach throughout the negotiations and for their support of this exciting community development."

Christopher MacKenzie, Estate Manager, Fearann Eilean Iarmain added  “The estate has and always will want to support and work with the local community to see projects like this and others provide positive benefit to Sleat. Moreover with this development, Sleat is making significant additional steps towards further renewable energy sources”