Wind farm contest for youngsters

SHETLAND wind farm developer Viking Energy have invited young folk to help spread the word about their plans with a competition to visit wind farms on the Scottish mainland.

Viking have already taken a wide range of people on fact find trips to wind farms in the central belt, but now they want to extend the invitation to the islands’ youth.

Young people aged from 11 to 25 have until 14 April to become one of ten winners by explaining how they would describe what they had seen during their visit.

The winning entrants will be chosen by an independent judging panel with those aged 11 to 16 getting the chance to see Shetland’s Burradale wind farm up close, while the older contestants will travel to the mainland to see the three developments at Whitelee, Braes of Doune and Ardrossan.

Viking Energy’s Lisa Ward said: “Whether it’s tweeting, texting, blogging or standing at the market cross with a megaphone, we want to hear their ideas about how they would communicate their experiences to their peers and indeed the wider population of Shetland.

“We’re not looking for young people who are pro Viking – we are keen to have representatives of all shades of opinion and those yet to make up their minds.”

The competition runs until 14 April and is open to young Shetlanders between the ages of 11 and 25. Entries will be divided into two categories; 11 to 17 years and 18 to 25 years.

Winners in the 18 to 25 category will visit three wind farms in the central belt whilst the 11 to 16 year old winners will enjoy a day tip to Burradale wind farm.

More information on how to enter can be found at www.vikingenergy.co.uk/competition.asp