Scottish farmers with an interest in renewable technology are being urged to attend the second on-farm demo day organised by NFU Scotland’s Renewable Development Initiative.
The event, being hosted by two farms in the Lanark area on Wednesday, 19 February, will look at biomass and wind energy generation with all farmers invited to come and see renewables in action for themselves.
The technology on show in the morning at Byretown Farm, near Lanark (courtesy of the Trainer family) involves a log boiler while in the afternoon delegates will visit Marshill Farm, Draffan near Kirkmuirhill to view the wind turbine installation (courtesy of Andrew Stewart). In between site visits, there will be workshops taking place at the Scottish Equestrian Hotel, Lanark Racecourse on all aspects of renewables, including support and tariffs and an opportunity to meet with industry experts.
Speaking ahead of the event, NFU Scotland’s Regional Co-ordination Manager Lisa Roberts said:
“This is an exciting time for renewables and farmers and land managers are at the centre of that. If Scotland is to achieve its full energy generating potential, it is essential that we share and learn from each other’s experiences.
“Through events and our website, the initiative is providing sound independent advice to farmers and land managers across Scotland on renewable energy and there is no better way to showcase the technology than by showing it in action on Scottish farms.
“This open day will also offer great networking opportunities with industry experts to help those already involved in renewables or considering making the leap get the most from their projects, maximise financial returns to the business and identify future investment opportunities.
“The Renewables Initiative, and its network of demonstration farms round the country – like Byretown and Marshill - will keep farmers at the core of the renewable sector’s success.”
Commenting on the instalment of the log boiler at Byretown, host farmer Alan Trainer said:
“For a farm business to make this kind of investment needs careful consideration but a potential payback over five years from the boiler was not to be sniffed at!”
On his decision to invest in wind energy, Andrew Stewart of Marshill Farm added:
“This project is four years in the making and it will make a huge difference to the farm business. We were very disappointed by the rental offers received from developers and resolved to carry out the project ourselves.” Ends
Notes to Editors
• NFU Scotland, with funding from The Scottish Executive and the European Union, has established the Renewable Development Initiative, facilitated by Smiths Gore.
• The initiative’s second Demonstration Farms Open Day will take place on Wednesday, 19 February.
Morning: Biomass (Byretown Farm, Byretown Rd, Lanark, ML11 9TG)
- 9:30 for 10:00: Meet at the Scottish Equestrian Hotel, Lanarkshire, ML11 9TA
- 10:00: Welcome by Thomas McMillan (Smiths Gore) – Lead Facilitator of Renewable Development Initiative
- 10.05: Travel by bus to Byretown Farm for tour of farm and log boiler installation
- 11.00: Travel by bus back to the Scottish Equestrian Hotel for refreshments
- 11.30: Workshops (20 minutes at each work station) followed by lunch
Afternoon: Wind (Marshill Farm, Draffan Rd, Lanark, ML11 9PW)
- 13.30: Travel by bus to Marshill Farm. Comments from Andrew Stewart on why he chose wind, turbine selection, getting the project through planning.
- 14.00: Walking tour of the wind farm site
- 14.20: Travel by Bus back to Scottish Equestrian Hotel for tea/coffee
- 14:50: Workshops (20 minutes at each work station):
• Photographs of Alan Trainer and Andrew Stewart are available on request
• Those wishing to attend are asked to Email: rebecca.bell@smithsgore.co.uk or call Rebecca Bell on 0131 344 0888 to book your place for lunch.
• The Renewable Initiative website can be visited at http://www.renewableenergyonfarms.co.uk/
For more information contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006 or Email: bob.carruth@nfus.org.uk