To maximise the benefit of the wind farm to the local economy, this event saw lead contractors meet with potential local supply chain companies.

Companies attending included civil and electrical engineers; suppliers of workwear; turbine safety specialists and transportation companies.

The event was an opportunity to strengthen the home-grown supply chain, and for organisations such as Skills Development Scotland and Developing the Young Workforce to discuss Vattenfall’s commitment to enable 50 new apprenticeships through its supply chain by 2030.

This event was the first to take place in No 30 The Square in Huntly following its extensive renovation. The upgrade was part-funded by Vattenfall’s Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund which has been providing grants to the local community for over 8 years.

Vattenfall senior project manager, Daniel Wills said: “Bringing together a variety of businesses with a focus on how we can develop the local supply chain for Clashindarroch II has always been a key milestone in the project’s development. With this in mind, we were thrilled to be able to host this event in a community space, thanks to Huntly Development Trust.”

Russell Borthwick, CEO at the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, added: “Events such as this provide a great platform for developers to engage with a range of stakeholders to achieve these objectives. Onshore wind will be a key element of decarbonising our future energy system and the world-class supply chain companies in the North-east that built their expertise in oil and gas, now have the opportunity to help drive the transition. It’s also vital that communities understand the benefits that will be delivered through wind farm projects and embrace them.”

Margo Milne, director, Developing the Young Workforce North East, commented: “Young people will play a huge part in delivering the energy transition and Vattenfall’s commitment to creating apprenticeships through its supply chain is very positive. This event was an important catalyst for local community engagement, and we were delighted to have a presence at it. We want the next generation to be aware of the roles and opportunities associated with major projects such as the Clashindarroch II wind farm and we look forward to working in partnership with Vattenfall to connect them with their future workforce.”

Nicola Baird, business & operations manager, Huntly & District Development Trust, said: “We were delighted that Vattenfall chose to support the community by holding this event at the Huntly & District Development Trust community-owned venue Number 30. The Square, particularly as their future developments seek to support local jobs and future skills development. It was an excellent and productive day for all.”