Turbine plan 'to power station'

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Train operator First ScotRail has submitted plans to build a wind turbine at Leuchars station in Fife.

It would supply all the electricity needs for the station and surplus power would be sent to the national grid.

The firm has lodged a planning application for the 6kw turbine, which it said was part of its strategy to reduce its carbon footprint.

Transport Scotland has funded the £29,000 scheme, which may be rolled out at other stations if successful.

The planning application submitted to Fife Council states that the turbine would be mounted on a 15m mast at the end of the station platform.

The company's model for Leuchars is described as "the most robust small-scale wind turbine in the world".

'Imaginative proposals'

Four were installed on the Isle of Eigg, 10 miles off the coast of Scotland, earlier this month.

It was the first time the island, which has 87 inhabitants, had a mains connection.

Until now, most of the homes on Eigg relied on generators.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said of the Leuchars' proposal: "This project is obviously subject to a live planning application and the government cannot comment on a specific planning application.

"However, it is crucial that businesses across Scotland should continue to look for innovative and imaginative proposals for energy generation.

"It is only through working together that we will achieve our ambitious proposed target of a 80% reduction in carbon emissions in Scotland by 2050."

The turbine manufacturer is Proven Energy, based in Stewarton, Ayrshire.