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29 Oct 2018

A fair wind for Fair Isle

A rowing boat rests on a grassy low cliff-top, with the shore seen in the background. The rowing boat looks old, with white flaking paint and a blue rim. Another boat can be seen behind it.
We’re supporting the community’s renewable energy ambitions on Fair Isle, as well as other initiatives on Canna and Iona.

The community on Fair Isle are celebrating having 24-hour power for the first time after the switch on of a new renewables system in October 2018.

The three turbines, a ground-mounted solar system and a battery storage provide a reliable energy supply and are transforming the quality of life for the 55 residents of the island, which the Trust has been privileged to protect since 1954.

The project was led by the community group Fair Isle Electricity Company, who secured funding from a range of partners, including the Trust.

The community had been depending on a combination of wind and diesel power, and there was no electricity between 11.30pm and 7.30am.

A row of three wind turbines can be seen on an island, with a bright sun beaming down across a blue sky above. In the foreground is a row of solar panels on the ground.
Fair Isle now has three new wind turbines and a ground-mounted solar system providing energy 24/7
Quote
“The new energy system will be cleaner and greener and will reduce reliance on expensive diesel, hence making living costs more sustainable. It’s an ambitious project and is another step in ensuring that the community of Fair Isle continues to thrive.”
Robert Mitchell, Fair Isle Electrical Company director and Fair Isle resident
Two sheep sit in a field, just in front of a row of mounted solar panels. A bright blue sky is seen above.
Fair Isle sheep survey the new solar panels!

Alan Rankin, Islands Operations Manager said: ‘This is a big milestone for the community of Fair Isle. The new renewable energy system is going to make a massive difference to them all and to the future of the island. Huge congratulations to all involved in the project, which the Trust was pleased to play a part in supporting.’

The communities on Canna and Iona are also working on renewable projects at the moment.

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