Event to generate insight into windfarm

ONE OF the more unusual opportunities offered by this year’s Civic Tr u s t Doors Open event will be the chance to explore the operational Burnfoot Hill windfarm.

The site, which is located in the Ochil Hills, comprises 13 102m turbines and has been generating electricity since November 2010.

It was developed and built by Wind Prospect and is now owned by EDF Energy Renewables who will offer an insight into the workings of wind power over the weekend of September 1 and 2.

Visitors will be able to see inside a turbine and ask questions of the wind farm owner, the developer and the turbine supplier.

Displays will look at the construction process, renewable energy and wind energy and there may also be the chance to see the turbine hooked up to a computer to show exactly what the wind speed is and how much electricity is being generated at that very moment.

It is hoped the tours will be able to accommodate about 300 people in total.

Vi s i t s must be pre-booked, with guided tours taking place at 9am, noon and finally at 3pm each day.

On Saturday September 1 visitors will be transported to the wind farm by coach from a pick-up point in Tillicoultry, while the following day’s tours will set out from a start-point in Blackford.

Each tour will last for about two- and- a- half hours, which includes transport to and from the windfarm.

Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free annual architectural event, with more than 900 sites expected to open across Scotland.

M a ny different types of buildings will be taking part, from the very ancient to the ultra-modern, many of which are not commonly open to the public.

Anyone interested in joining one of the tours to Burnfoot Hill should call 01259 216913 to book a place.