A huge wind turbine was demolished during a controlled explosion at Hunterston last week.

The Siemens turbine operated by SSE Renewables was used as a tester for offshore wind farms. The detonation is part of the decommissioning of the testing site. 

Dalry and West Kilbride Councillor Todd Ferguson captured the demolition and said: “I had the perfect vantage point on Cumbrae to witness the controlled demolition of the SSE Wind Turbine at Hunterston. The operation was highly professional, safety was paramount and appeared to have limited impact on the surrounding environment. I was surprised how quiet it actually was.

“All of the stakeholders involved are to be commended for their updated communication to surrounding communities in the lead up to the demolition.” 

Largs resident Linda Grainey said she is relieved about the turbine coming down.

She said: “This should never have been located so close to human habitation. It should never have been put on land.”

SSE said in a statement: “The National Offshore Wind Turbine Test facility at Hunterston has been instrumental in securing Scotland’s place as an international leader in offshore wind energy research and development.”

It added: “The original intention was to dismantle the components of the Siemens turbine by crane. However, a suitable method of safely dismantling the turbine by crane could not be established. As a result, controlled felling has been identified the only feasible method for decommissioning the Siemens machine.”

Another turbine on the site was decommissioned last year.