Breezy start for newest wind farm

No amount of imagination, however, would help the UK energy minister harness such forces yesterday.

Brian Wilson was due to open Scottish and Southern Energy’s (SSE) newest wind farm at Tangy, north of Campbeltown, prior to visiting the Vestas- Celtic factory where the wind turbines were manufactured.

But the winds of fortune had other ideas. Blustery weather meant Mr Wilson’s flight from Glasgow was grounded, the wind deemed too great to risk a landing at Machrahanish.

Despite the call-off, the 9 million farm took advantage of the stormy conditions, generating its maximum output. The wind speeds of 40mph allowed all 15 turbines to produce 12 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 10,000 homes.

Mr Wilson took the chance to voice support for the expansion of wind power in Scotland.

He said: "There can be no doubts about the extent of Scotland’s wind energy potential.

"While the windy weather played havoc with our travel plans it was gratifying that the new wind farm at Tangy was harnessing the wind and powering 10,000 homes with green electricity."

Ian Marchant, the chief executive of SSE, who was also meant to be travelling on the grounded British Airways flight, said: "I spent three hours in the car driving to Campbeltown instead and it was a lovely day. The turbines were working magnificently.

"The wind farm actually got opened twice. First it was done ‘virtually’ by the minister from Glasgow airport, and then Mrs Kate Black, who owns the land on which the turbines are, did so later on."

The 15 turbines at Tangy were the first to be manufactured by Vestas-Celtic’s Machrahanish factory, which has also been awarded a contract for the 75 million Scroby Sands wind farm, the largest offshore wind farm in the UK currently granted planning permission.

Mr Marchant added: "This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of SSE’s predecessor company. Its success proved conclusively that there is enough rain in Scotland from which to generate electricity. Today has proved that there is enough wind as well."

The Scottish Executive has pledged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by huge increases in renewable energy, particularly wind farms.

To date in Scotland, there are eight wind farms operational, with a combined investment approaching 100 million - but dozens more plans are at varying stages of development.

In January, the Scottish Executive gave the go-ahead for a 40 million scheme at Cairn Uish, in Speyside, between Rothes and Dallas. The Speyside project will have 28 turbines and be capable of generating enough electricity to meet 10 per cent of Scotland’s renewable energy target for 2010.

Despite a high profile protest campaign, plans for a 30 million, 27-turbine wind farm on Skye were approved by Highland Council.

There are also plans for a huge offshore development in the Solway Firth.