SSE Renewables, the renewable energy development division of SSE, has today delivered its final turbine to Gordonbush wind farm site, near Brora.
Deliveries of turbine components to the 35 turbine site began in August last year and significant engagement was undertaken with Golspie and Brora Community Councils, prior to deliveries starting, to address local concerns.
SSE’s Project Manager, Rod Crawford, said: “This is an important milestone for both SSE and the local community. I think Gordonbush is a great example of developer and community working together in a constructive manner, and this is what we should be aiming for on all projects.”
Iain Miller, Chairman of Golspie Community Council explained: “The first few deliveries attracted a lot of attention, with people lining the streets to watch them pass through. There were some initial teething problems in the first few weeks related to the local school runs, but SSE responded quickly to the feedback and adjusted timings so that they fitted in better with the community.
“Since then, deliveries have run smoothly, with minimal disruption, and many passing by unnoticed. We’re now looking forward to the final few turbines going up and the site being fully up and running in the spring.”
SSE’s Major Projects Liaison Manager, Ruth Liddicoat, said: “We were very aware of the concern locally about the abnormal loads passing through Golspie and Brora and we worked hard to find ways to reduce any impact and ensure people were kept up to date. I would like to extend our thanks to the Community Councils for working with us so constructively and to the wider community for their patience over the last few months with the deliveries.”
There are now 33 turbines erected at site, and 24 of these are exporting power. The site is on schedule to be commissioned by the end of this financial year in March 2012 with a construction cost of over £100m.
