A COMMUNITY group on North Yell has recently recruited a project manager to take forward a number of locally-run ambitious renewable energy projects.
North Yell Development Council (NYDC) have now been joined by Colin Dickie, who will help the group deliver a number of projects which aim to provide the community with additional sustainable income which will then be used for community regeneration and economic development projects.
Colin has previous worked in a number of different roles across Shetland and Scotland, each of which has given him a strong background in renewable energy and project management.
This includes as Powerdown Officer for Northmavine Community Development Company, and general manager of Nortenergy Ltd.
NYDC have four significant projects currently underway. The Garth Hill Community Onshore Wind Farm has planning permission and construction is planned for 2016.
A joint project with Nova Innovation Ltd from Edinburgh, the company plans to deploy a 30kw test device in Bluemull Sound later this year.
There are further plans to build a tidal array and to extend the industrial estate at Cullivoe.
NYDC is open to all residents of North Yell, part of one of the most northerly Shetland islands and covering the communities Cullivoe, Sellafirth, Gloup and Gutcher.
Funding to recruit a project manager was granted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Shetland Islands Council and LEADER.
Colin Dickie commented: “I’m very excited about joining the NYDC at this time, when there is so much happening.
“Each one of the main projects have the potential to make a real difference to the community and will raise the NYDC’s profile as one of the most successful community organisations in Scotland.
“There has been a massive voluntary effort over the past decade to get us where we are at and I will be hugely proud to play a part in bringing these projects to fruition.”
David Priest from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said: “Engaging Colin should give North Yell Development Council the capacity they need to get their important renewable energy projects developed.
“The volunteers have worked really hard to get schemes taken as far as they have, but dedicated project manager time and skills are required now.
“These projects present a fantastic opportunity for the local community to generate income and look at taking forward a variety of community development schemes such as expansion at Cullivoe industrial estate and other schemes designed to improve community sustainability and jobs.
“The NYDC are also involved in the planned deployment of the first community owned tidal renewable energy generating device of its kind in Scotland, a collaboration with Nova Innovation Ltd from Edinburgh.
“It is anticipated that a pilot test device will be put into the water at Cullivoe later this year.”
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Email: communications@hient.co.uk
