The island that provided the backdrop for the famous BBC children’s live action series, Balamory, has a new reason to celebrate as it welcomes the latest addition to its sustainable energy effort.
Absolute Solar and Wind has installed a new 60Kw capacity wind turbine at Glengorm Waste Management facility for Argyll & Bute Council. Absolute, a family-run company with 10 years’ experience, invited primary school children to enter a Name the Turbine competition. The prize included having their name etched on a specially designed plaque to commemorate the install in addition to receiving a cheque of £500 to support the school’s Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) projects.
There was a total of 71 name suggestions from local primary schools including Lochdonhead, Tobermory, Ulva and Bunessan. Depute Policy Lead for Sustainable Economic Growth & Chair of Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, Councillor Roderick McCuish, was tasked with judging the responses. The names were very imaginative and the Councillor was extremely impressed with the great effort and thinking behind the names.
Cailean Maclean from P7 in Tobermory Primary School suggested the name Miss Hoolie, which was selected by the Councillor. When asked what inspired the name Cailean said: “Because this was a ‘Balamory’ character and ‘hoolie’ is Scottish for very windy.”
Speaking at a special naming ceremony (Tuesday 28 February), Councillor Roderick McCuish said:
“I can’t think of a more appropriate name for a wind turbine on Mull. Young Cailean Maclean has to be congratulated on being so imaginative. I like the fact that Miss Hoolie is linked to the local area because of the Balamory connection and also linked to the weather, which is particularly meaningful and essential for the turbine to generate lots of power. The wind turbine that Absolute Solar and Wind has installed with the council delivery team is a welcome addition and paves the way for the future of the energy output on Mull. There is no doubt that it will deliver real benefits for the community and it is great to see so many young people engaging with the very important subject of sustainability.”
A cheque was awarded to the school by Managing Director of Absolute Solar and Wind, Graham Provest at the Glengorm site. Mr Provest said: “It’s humbling to see so much interest from the young people in the future of energy production. It is a priority for Absolute Solar and Wind to encourage and promote understanding of carbon reducing and sustainable energy. I hope Cailean has had a great day and we look forward to hearing what interesting projects the school embarks on with the donation towards their STEM activities.”
A plaque was installed to the turbine displaying Cailean Maclean’s name and the logos of Absolute Solar and Wind, Argyll & Bute Council as well as Miss Hoolie in large letters.
