Horshader Community Development is a community-owned charitable trust established in May 2005 to plan and run a community wind farm for the benefit of people in South Shawbost, Dalbeag and Dalmore on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis.

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Horshader Community Development was the first community group in the Western Isles to develop a renewable energy revenue-generating project in the form of a 900kW single wind energy converter. It was a long hard road for us, being the first to go down this route with all the hoops to go through and hurdles to get over; however, we got there in the end. We were ably assisted in our quest by Community Energy Scotland with grant funding, support and guidance. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Economic Development and Planning Departments also gave support, practical help and advice. By October 2012 we had the turbine in place with commissioning later that month; it has been generating since then and has performed way beyond our expectations.

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Our priority at Horshader Community Development is to use revenues from the wind turbine to fund projects that improve quality of life, increase employment prospects, protect the environment, and encourage young people to stay in the area.

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“Horshader Community Development are a perfect example of just what can be achieved through sheer determination, hard work and enthusiasm. Community Energy Scotland have had the pleasure of working with HCD since their inception and we are delighted that their 900kW turbine project is now installed, generating green energy, providing an income for the local community, and improving the lives of local residents. Seeing the improvements and positive changes which HCD are making in the local community is what makes these projects so worthwhile!” – Community Energy Scotland