1. Can anyone truthfully say that, at the end of the construction period, there are any jobs for local people and what the jobs are?

ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) is firmly committed to maximising the potential social and economic benefits on both local and national levels that arise from our projects. SPR have commissioned a joint study with Skills Development Scotland to look at the jobs created by an SPR onshore wind project and the skills required for these jobs. The results of this report will assist with the roll out of a unique and innovative partnership created between SPR, Skills Development Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway College. This partnership will identify and deliver suitable training within Dumfries and Galloway to those interested in finding work within the Renewables Sector. This will include sectoral specific skills such as Wind Turbine Technician Training which is one of the main skill requirements within the operational phase of a windfarm. In addition to helping individuals to find work within the Renewables sector, we also aim to ensure local companies can also benefit from our Projects. In conjunction with the above partnership and other suitable bodies such as Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce, we aim to assist with the delivery of sectoral specific ‘get ready for Renewables’ training sessions which can assist with the sourcing of Renewables work for local companies. This will be aimed specifically at small to medium enterprises. The bulk of jobs in the operational phase of a windfarm are related to turbine maintenance, as mentioned above, and also site/grounds maintenance. The site and grounds maintenance contracts in particular could offer opportunities for companies in the local area as the unpredictable and reactive nature of the work (i.e. snow clearing in the winter) requires contractors to be able to attend site quickly while the availability of local plant for site maintenance could also increase response times. We hope this has been helpful. Should you require any further information on our work to maximise socio-economic benefits from our Projects within Dumfries and Galloway please do not hesitate to contact us at anytime.