Local Benefits

Community Benefit Fund

We make a commitment to delivering a community benefit fund of £5,000 per MW installed, in line with Scottish Government guidance. 

This fund is dedicated to projects that help accelerate the aims of local communities to make a positive difference.

This could include initiatives such as:

• Improving local infrastructure such as community broadband, EV charging, or new walking and cycling routes
• Upgrading community buildings
• Supporting local sports groups
• Environmental enhancements
• Skills and education programmes

Other Benifits

Partnership with Edinburgh Science

Loch Liath Wind Farm has partnered with Edinburgh Science to sponsor ten STEM workshops at the primary schools closest to the wind farm during the development stage of the development. Edinburgh Science is one of Scotland’s largest outreach charities who aim to contribute to the development of a future generation that is enthusiastic, curious, and well-prepared for challenges and opportunities in STEM fields

University of Highlands and Islands

Loch Liath Wind Farm has committed to providing funding for a scholarship at the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) for a ten-year period from the wind farm becoming operational. This scholarship of £3,000 per annum will support Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and Construction students through their studies.

Skills Fund

Loch Liath Wind Farm will provide a Skills Fund throughout the operational period of the wind farm. This fund will provide £10,000 per annum to support children and adults living within community council areas which host or are adjacent to the wind farm to the develop their STEM knowledge and skills. The fund could be used for  for paying course fees, living and travel expenses while attending a remote college, or to assist with childcare for parents returning to education. The fund will also be available to primary and secondary schools which are attended by children from the host or adjacent Community Council areas who wish to apply for STEM workshops, equipment, activities or learning.

Peatland Restoration and Biodiversity Enhancement

As part of our construction and operation of the wind farm, we will restore over 100ha of peatland. The project will also undertake riparian and non-riparian tree planting, montane scrub planting, grazing management, construction of diver (a protected bird species) rafts and monitoring and protection of water voles.

Regional Eagle Conservation Management Plan

Loch Liath Wind Farm will implement a Regional Eagle Conservation Management Plan with the aim to positively contribute to the regional conservation status of the golden eagle through improved monitoring of the species’ population and breeding status. Loch Liath Wind Farm will fund the appointment of an Independent Expert to establish an Advisory Group, a complete census of all territory occupancies, vacancies and breeding fates every three years for a 35 year period and a Project Officer to co-ordinate and carry out the survey and monitoring work.

Meall Fuar-mhonaidh Footpath

Loch Liath Wind Farm will support the upgrading of the footpath to the summit of Meall Fuar-mhonaidh. The footpath is currently degraded and requires restoration to ensure it remains accessible for walkers.