Published: Wednesday, 9th July, 2008 09:00
Swinney given warm welcome at Floors Castle
By Ally McGilvray
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Renewable energy scheme switched on
EVERY public building in the Borders could be powered by renewable energy.
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, made the statement after switching on a pioneering renewable energy scheme at Floors Castle near Kelso – one of the biggest tourist attractions in the region.
He believes the wood-fuelled heating system unveiled is important in the country’s bid to cut carbon emissions, blamed for climate change, as well as creating local jobs.
Speaking to the Border Telegraph, Mr Swinney said: “This is exactly the type of project I want to see in communities across Scotland – innovative renewable energy generation which tackles climate change and promotes sustainable forest management.
“Biomass can play an important part in the renewables mix, creating good quality rural jobs and promoting sustainable local solutions to global challenges.”
But he added: “I think it would be difficult to make it compulsory (in every public building) at this stage. What we are trying to do is encourage a climate of participation and, as we wrestle with the challenge of high oil prices, we will see the economics of these ventures transformed.”
As well as heating the Duke of Roxburghe’s home, which attracts over 35,000 visitors per year, the district heating system will also provide enough energy to heat the estate nursery and garden centre as well as 15 homes and other commercial buildings when the next phase is completed.
Instead of oil, it is powered by woodchips from trees felled on estate woodland and processed at the estate’s local sawmill business in Kelso.
The project will generate the equivalent of two extra jobs and secure existing employment at the sawmill.
Welcoming the Cabinet Secretary to Floors Castle last Wednesday, the Duke of Roxburghe said: “The estate has chosen to invest in this scheme as it will reduce significantly the carbon emissions, contribute greatly to sustainable forestry and provide sustainable energy use.
“At Roxburghe, we are committed to playing our part in energy efficiency and support a mix of renewable energy sources.”
And he added: “We hope this will give visitors to Floors Castle an even warmer welcome in future.”
Roxburghe’s Woodfuel Heating systems, which cost Ł580,000 to install, will save about 500,000 kg of CO2 per year, the equivalent of heating 10,000 houses for a day.
amcgilvray@bordertelegraph.com
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