MORE than five thousand people and businesses who have invested in Scotland's first consumer-owned wind farm are set to benefit when the South Ayrshire turbines are powered up for the first time this month.

The eight turbines at Kirk Hill wind farm, between Kirkoswald and Dailly, has been funded by 5,600 individuals and businesses who ploughed a total of £13.2 million into the project.

The wind farm will power homes with 100 per cent green energy, with home owners saving on their electricity bills over the site’s lifespan.

The wind farm is an initiative of Ripple Energy, a UK company dedicated to making green electricity ownership affordable and accessible to all.

The company has pioneered a system that allows consumers, regardless of their living circumstances, to own a source of clean energy.

Sarah Merrick, founder of Ripple Energy, who has 17 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, said: "Kirk Hill is an example of how we can place real people at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.

"So it’s incredible to see Scotland’s first consumer-owned wind farm come to life, knowing the difference it’ll make to its thousands of shareholders and Britain’s journey to net zero.

“We want lots more projects like this across Britain - more wind farms and solar parks owned by consumers. That way, they get the maximum benefit from this amazing transition we’re in."

The wind farm has the capacity to power about 20,000 households and businesses.

In less than 10 minutes, it can generate enough electricity to power a home for a year, and is projected to save 29,667 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Over its lifetime, nearly £3m of funds generated through the sale of green energy from the site will be awarded to organisations such as the Dailly Community Development Trust and the North Carrick Community Benefit Company.

It will go towards projects to enhance the area.

Shirley Paterson, a co-owner of Kirk Hill, said: "Ripple Energy was a huge opportunity to negate my carbon footprint further and I couldn't be more proud as one of the 5,600 people who brought this wind farm to life.

"Together, we've achieved what one person alone could not.

"Of course, the savings on my electricity bills will be welcome.

"But it's the tangible climate action that matters most, and with more projects like Kirk Hill and opportunities for people to take control of their energy, we can make a real difference for the future."

Ripple Energy is currently offering public and business participation in its next wind farm project, Whitelaw Brae in the Scottish Borders.

The cost of buying a share of the site starts from £25.

More information can be found on www.rippleenergy.com.