Ridge Clean Energy’s Ladyfield Wind Project Clears Significant Hurdle for Scottish Hybrid Plan

Ridge Clean Energy’s (RCE) planning application to the Scottish Government for RCE’s Ladyfield Renewable Energy Park near Inveraray has cleared a significant hurdle.

The Argyll & Bute Council’s planning committee approved a recommendation to raise no objection to the project noting the letters of support and lack of opposition to the project.

RCE has been working with the Inveraray community since 2019 to bring the Inveraray Pier in Loch Fyne back into community ownership for restoration. The Pier was re-opened to the public on 20th April 2024 after more than 10 years of closure.

Linda Divers, Chair of Inveraray Community Council, said: ‘We are happy that Argyll & Bute Council voted not to object to RCE’s project as they have been a welcome addition to our community. RCE were a great help and support to us when raising funds for the purchase and restoration of our pier. We look forward to working with RCE again in the future.’

Should the Scottish Government’s Energy and Consents Unit formally approve the project, RCE will create the Ladyfield Community Benefit Fund which would allow continued support for local community initiatives for the 40 year lifespan of the project.

Ridge Clean Energy’s CEO, Marjorie Glasgow, said: ‘We are delighted by the decision of the Argyll & Bute planning committee. We are grateful to contribute to the Inveraray local community and to Argyll & Bute more widely. This decision is a key step toward further engagement in the region with renewable energy development making a positive difference for communities.’

The current RCE pipeline of projects (14 in total) would amount to a £1.2bn investment into the UK renewables sector, once they are all built. Community payments across the 14 projects would equate to over £2.3m per year.

The featured image showcases the Inveraray Pier Opening Celebration in April 2024.