AN energy park near Kirkconnel has seen a batch of brand new wind turbines unveiled as part of a local benefit project.

Pupils from Sanquhar Academy got to see first-hand the installation of the wind turbines that will generate more than £2 million for their Propel Community Fund.

A first in Scotland, the Energy Park scheme has been designed to provide financial assistance for public groups and organisations across Upper Nithsdale using the revenue produced by the two wind turbines on a site adjacent to the Glenmuckloch surface mine.

The group of fifth and sixth year pupils from the school took the opportunity to see the turbines being erected, while learning more about how they work.

The 30 meter high turbines, supplied by Northern Power Systems, have the potential to generate £2.5 million over the next 25 years, which will remain with Glenmuckloch Community Energy Park until distributed to local causes by Propel.

The pupils are in the process of completing their first round of awards to projects and are actively encouraging local groups to make applications for funding.

The Energy Park project is being delivered by four key partners; Scottish Mines Restoration Trust, Buccleuch, Hargreaves and Dumfries and Galloway Council. Dumfries and Galloway Council and Buccleuch each contributed £50,000, Hargreaves £150,000 and SMRT £75,000.

Hargreaves has completed civil work, including a new road infrastructure to both turbines and preparation areas for turbine and cable installation. The turbine foundation works were carried out by Lammie Construction.

Renewable energy developer 2020 Renewables donated its services and expertise to the community project free of charge, providing extensive planning and technical support, as well as guidance on turbine procurement and contracting.

Buccleuch is leasing the land to the project free of charge for a thirty year period, and together with Hargreaves is providing additional funding for the purchase of the wind turbines.

Alan Hiddleston, Chair of Glenmuckloch Energy Park said: “It was great to provide this opportunity to the members of Propel and other pupils to see up close how the funds they will be distributing will be generated.

“We’ve tried to take them on every step of this important journey, which will provide not only the local communities with considerable funding, but also a unique and worthwhile learning experience.” Emily Lockhart, Principal Teacher from Sanquhar Academy said: “This learning experience has been an incredibly motivating one for our pupils that has challenged and encouraged them in ways we couldn’t have imagined at the beginning of the journey.

“They have all gained in confidence which has been noted by their peers and other school staff. It has been a pleasure to watch their journey and see them operate effectively alongside the professionals and businesses they have worked with to achieve their aim.”