The Background of Udny Community Trust

Udny Community Wind Turbine Company began with an idea from within the community back in 2006.  At the time, above everything, it was critical to make sure that a community owned turbine was supported by the community itself and that there were plans in place to spend the potential income once the turbine was producing and selling the electricity.

The community joined in with enthusiasm and a large majority welcomed the proposal.

The original site chosen was changed after a consultation process in order to reduce possible nuisance.  Although there would be a slight reduction on the optimum output, that was considered a good trade-off as it kept local support high.  Not everyone found turbines an attractive addition to the countryside back then.

As the construction of the turbine was completed, charity rules meant that a separate charitable body had to be formed to handle the revenue for charitable purposes.  The separate charitable body had to be community controlled and led and be eligible for charitable status.  Following an extended process, charitable status was finally achieved in 2014.  This was easier said than done though and meant complying with both Scots law and English law to gain recognition but Udny Community Trust was born!

With the help of a grant from The Big Lottery the Trust  purchased an office and meeting room at 3 Oldmeldrum Road in Pitmedden.  Both rooms were refurbished and initially a Development Officer was employed then a Project Administrator role was created soon after that.