Wind farm plans scrapped as economic crisis takes its toll

Established by Aberdeenshire farmer Maitland Mackie, the Wingen scheme intended to raise £10 million from donors in the rural sector to start Europe's largest energy company, with the profits channelled back into the rural economy.

But following a review last week, Mr Mackie has closed the scheme as potential investors found their savings hit by the economic downturn, while the group’s advisors doubted it would be able to raise enough money from banks to build enough turbines.

The project has also been hit by a lack of interest and while 580 people registered their support, Mr Mackie said it was some way short of what was needed to create the proposed new company.

He said: “A big buy-in by the rural sector is a crucial element, for both practical and political reasons. Whilst achieving 580 registrants over the last three months has been encouraging, registration has reduced to a trickle. It is thousands we need not hundreds.”

The scheme had received praise throughout the industry, with Secretary of State Hilary Benn lending his support on stage at the Oxford Farming Conference last week.

Despite its failure to get off the ground, Mr Mackie said he was still enthusiastic and hoped he had some effect in bringing the issue of onshore wind power to farmers’ minds.

He said: “I hope I have raised awareness of the important place onshore wind power has in addressing the looming energy crisis facing the world. It is currently by far the most cost effective solution.

“I have pushed my boat out to make this unusual scheme a reality. So it is hugely disappointing to find myself not delivering. My enthusiasm has not waned but the practicalities have got in the way.”

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