Moray windfarm officially opened

Windfarm power projects have caused controversy in Scotland

One of the most powerful windfarms in Scotland has been officially opened.

Rothes Windfarm at Cairn Uish in Moray is predicted to meet about 29% of the area's total demand for electricity.

Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Allan Wilson said the 22-turbine strong windfarm marked a great day for renewable energy.

The Scottish Executive has a target for ensuring that 40% of electricity generated in Scotland should come from renewable sources by 2020.

Plans for the site, which was developed by Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd through Natural Power Consultants, were given the go-ahead by ministers in January 2003.

At the time it was thought the facility, which was originally approved as a 28-turbine, 56-megawatt unit, would be the largest farm in Scotland.

A spokesman for Natural Power Consultants confirmed that while the farm not now the biggest, it would still produce the greatest amount of power of any facility in Scotland.

Renewable energy, and wind energy in particular, is a rapidly developing sector that will play a crucial role in Scotland's future Allan Wilson Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning

Critics of windfarm developments, including organisations such as Moorland Without Turbines and Communities Against Pylons, argue that the turbines will affect the tourism industry and spoil the look of the countryside.

They believe ordinary members of the public have not been given an adequate say in the consultation process.

'Milestone' claim

Mr Wilson said at the official opening ceremony of the Rothes Windfarm, which has been operational since the end of March, that it represented a real "milestone".

He added: "Renewable energy, and wind energy in particular, is a rapidly developing sector that will play a crucial role in Scotland's future.

"More wind energy will mean less harmful emissions that cause global warming, more jobs for Scots and ensure this country has a secure energy supply for generations to come.

"Rothes windfarm provides real evidence of these benefits."