Wind farm creates graduate scheme - graduate jobs

People wanting a career involving renewable energy will soon be able to check out a graduate programme which is being linked to a newly approved wind farm in the Scottish Highlands.

The University of the Highlands and Islands has agreed to set up the scheme with RES UK & Ireland which was given consent to build the power generator in Dunmaglass, near Inverness.

As well as graduate development, the university will administer an internship programme.

RES said the wind farm's 33 turbines will provide electricity for around 46,000 households, twice as many as there are in Inverness.

Around 50 workers will be needed for the wind farm's construction and the company responsible, RES UK & Ireland, said it will pay for the nearby B851 road to be upgraded.

The firm applied to Highland Council for permission to build and operate the facility back in 2005.

According to official figures, only around a quarter of Scotland's electricity needs (27%) came from renewable sources in 2009.

However, the target for renewables use is to meet 80% of electricity demand by 2020.