Wood you believe it
A Girvan- based firm has emerged as the second biggest wood pellet producer in the UK.
Land Energy fire out 100,000 tons a year for use in biomass heating systems.
South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle felt the heat at the plant during a visit.
With 39 full- time staff and a further 25 contractors working at its Girvan site, they are a major employer in the area.
The manufacturing plant has had more than £ 30million invested in it and takes timber harvested in Scotland and processes it into wood pellets which are also used to power the factory itself.
Mr Whittle was given a tour of the site and said: “I was pleased to to visit Land Energy and learn more about their work.
“Scotland has a strong record of supporting renewables and I’m delighted to see Land Energy making the most of what Ayrshire has to offer. Heating our homes requires huge amounts of energy and the more we can use renewable heating sources like wood pellets, the better.
“I hope Land Energy will continue to grow here and bring more jobs and opportunities to Girvan and the surrounding area.”
John Westmacott, Land Energy Managing Director, added: “We’re always pleased to be able to engage with MSPs and discuss how the biomass energy industry can develop in Scotland and be part of Scottish and UK energy policy on a long term basis.
“Land Energy is determined to be part of the drive to deliver clean energy. Our Girvan plant has just come out of a major expansion phase and we aim to invest further over the next 24 months.”