Dalavich powers ahead with hydro scheme fundraising

THE DALAVICH community is looking to raise £400,000 in shares to fund a new hydro scheme.

Local people in the Loch Aweside district have set up a community company called Awesome Energy Ltd, with supporters claiming 90 per cent support for the scheme among local residents. A share offer is now open, with a minimum investment of £250.

The project has been funded so far by a loan from the Scottish Government CARES renewable energy scheme, but now needs to raise £400,000 in share equity. More than £50,000 has been pledged so far. Construction will be on the River Avich, aiming for minimum disruption as the pipeline is able to follow a historic hydro scheme.

Committee member Chrissie Sugden said: ‘It feels good to be making a positive contribution towards addressing climate change, and I am especially pleased the hydro profits will help local people make decisions on future community development, instead of being dependent on distant funding bodies who don’t always understand local issues.’