Project Benefits

Economic Benefits: local workers, short supply chains

On our developments we aim to use local workers as much as possible. We also support young people who want to develop technical skills in the renewable energy sector. The proposed development aims to create direct and indirect economic benefits including

  • Local jobs during construction

  • A range of contracts available for tender; local companies will be encouraged to apply

  • The potential for local jobs, once the wind farm is operational

In due course, we will organise a Contractors’ Open Day to let local companies know more about the goods and services we may need. These could range from accommodation to security and engineering to construction and maintenance, throughout the life of the project.

Meantime, if you are a local company and wish to register your interest, please email knockkippen@pagodapr.com

 

Community Benefits

We would like the local community to help us shape the community benefit package that best meets local needs and wishes. This could include straight funding; apprenticeships; local regeneration; support for local groups and clubs; a community share in the wind farm; tackling fuel poverty.

  • We are committed to a community benefit fund of £5,000 per MW or equivalent, per year, for the operational life of the project

  • We will meet as many local people and community representatives as possible during the consultation process to listen to your thoughts

Cultural Heritage

We are very aware of the important and sensitive cultural and social heritage of the area, especially as the proposed site lies in close proximity to the ‘lost villages’ of Lethanhill and Benquhat (Benwhat). We are in discussions with national bodies (Historic Environment Scotland) and local organisations including the East Ayrshire Coalfield Communities Landscape Partnership (EACCLP) about how our project could help to enhance the history and heritage of the area. Ideas being discussed include

  • Improving access to the ‘lost villages’ of Lethanhill and Burnfoothill and the war memorial by upgrading the road to Lethanhill

  • Channeling some of the community benefit funds through the 9CC group and the EACCLP to continue to support heritage related projects

  • Providing interpretation boards to identify significant features in the landscape to walkers