'Green energy' behind bike shed

Half the £20,000 cost of the shed was paid for by the government

A new £20,000 bike shed at a Highlands primary school is capable of generating "green energy".

The shelter at Glenelg in Wester Ross has solar panels on the roof to help provide classrooms with renewable energy.

Half the project's cost was paid for by the Scottish government.

The bike shed is one of 32 solar schemes Highland Council is rolling out, mainly at schools, before next April - at a cost of £450,000.

Michael Foxley, chairman of the authority's climate change working group, said he hoped the project was a practical demonstration of harnessing renewable energy.

Pupils' bodies

He said: "As a council we are making significant progress in the energy management of our buildings which is especially important given the rise in energy bills.

"I am sure the new solar shed will prove to be a big hit with the young cyclists and will play an important part in cutting down the amount of energy used in the school building."

Highland Council already boasts at having the "greenest school" in Scotland.

Acharacle Primary is said to be so well insulated that the heat from children, staff and computers will warm the building has opened.

Most of the building is made from wood, while a wind turbine on a nearby hill generates electricity to heat water.

Rain water is also collected for use in flushing the toilets.

Claims the pupils' bodies will provide the heat once they have had their breakfast led to it being dubbed the "Weetabix school".