Isle of Eigg residents will receive mains electricity for the first time today, allowing the 87 residents to become completely self-sufficient.
Mains electricity will come from a unique £1.6million scheme, combining wind, hydro-electric and solar energy. The funds came from residents' donations and a grant from the EU, the National Lottery and the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company.
Eigg, which is six miles long and four miles wide, has until now received power from unreliable diesel generators. Houses will now be allocated five kilowatts, businesses, 10 kilowatts.
After buying the island in 1997 for £1.5million from its absentee landlord, Eigg's current population of 87 residents will finally now receive mains electricity.
To comment on this article, use the comment box below, or email us at clonews@ipcmedia.com. Read more about the countryside.
-
'None of this would be here had the tithe barn not burned down that night’: How the terrifying destruction of a medieval landmark sparked the creation of the magnificent gardens of Bledlow ManorAfter inheriting the Bledlow Manor in 2018, Lord Carrington has been devoted to the thoughtful renewal and replanting of this historic Buckinghamshire garden. Tiffany Daneff reports, with photography by Clive Nichols.
-
For every new stone mason seven retire: St Paul's plan to save heritage crafts — and itself in the processAs St Paul’s Cathedral launches the Wren Centre of Excellence to train young people to repair Britain’s historic buildings, Lotte Brundle talks to restoration workers about why their industry is on a cliffs edge.
