Strathdearn Primary School Pupils Explore Renewable Energy at Rothes Wind Farm

Last week, pupils from Strathdearn Primary School in Tomatin joined the Fred. Olsen Renewables team and experienced an exciting educational visit to Rothes Wind Farm, near Dallas, to learn about the benefits of onshore wind energy.

The pupils from Primaries 5 to 7, accompanied by their teachers, were warmly welcomed to the wind farm and were given a guided tour of the wind farm. The group had the opportunity to see the wind turbines up close and engage with the site team about wind energy.

During the visit, pupils took part in discussions about the site's biodiversity, learning how the wind farm coexists with the local ecosystem. Rothes Wind Farm is home to a variety of wildlife, including honeybees, Roe deer, and pine martins. As part of the educational experience, the students observed a demonstration hive, courtesy of local beekeepers from Triskele Bees, Honey and Crafts who manage several hives on the wind farm during late summer, producing heather honey.

The visit is part of Fred. Olsen Renewables’ ongoing community engagement efforts in the Highlands. The school is located close to the proposed Balnespick Wind Farm, and the visit provided an opportunity for the pupils to truly understand wind energy and the wildlife that co-exists with it.

Kelly Wyness, Senior Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, commented:
“Today’s visit was a perfect opportunity to work with the community and answer the great, very insightful questions that children have about onshore wind. Pupils were able to experience wind energy in real life and understand how it can help to support wildlife and ecosystems.

“The visit not only broadened their understanding but I hope it inspired them to think about their role in climate change and how they can be a part of the solution. I think we may have found some of the next generation of renewable energy professionals!”

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Notes to editors:

• Fred. Olsen Renewables is one of the longest standing renewable energy developers in Scotland.

• The Fred. Olsen Renewables Scottish portfolio consists of 258 operational turbines, alongside a further 76 consented.

• Combined with projects in Norway and Sweden, the Fred. Olsen Renewables total operational capacity to 804.9 MW – providing enough power for 698,344 homes.