Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a vital step in addressing the climate emergency. Yet there are some important questions to address to ensure that the transition is done with and for the communities that might be impacted from this change. This discussion is especially important for Aberdeenshire and Huntly as plans for major wind farms are underway in the area. Previously at Friday Lunch we heard from Connor Watt from Platform who talked about local employment and the need for the shire’s communities to financially benefit from this new infrastructure. But how will the construction of these turbines physically change the landscape or impact the environment and communities?

For this Friday Lunch we will hear from Chris Hamlet a spokesperson for CaSHWIG (Correen and Suie Hill Windfarm Information Group). CaSHWIG formed to inform the public about the proposed construction of a windfarm on the top of the Correen Hills by EDF Renewables UK and Force 9 Energy. CaSHWIG have been regularly attending public meetings and posing questions to the developers to ensure local concerns and voices are taken into account. At Friday Lunch, Chris will talk about the proposal from the perspective of a local resident, and what he has learned through this work so far.

Accessibility

Friday Lunch is usually attended by 15-25 people. It takes place in Square Deal (22 The Square, Huntly AB54 8BR), the creative and community hub on Huntly Square. There is a guide to visiting Square Deal online here. This includes information on travelling to the venue, photos and plans of the space, and sensory information. This is a family friendly event and children are very welcome.

This event is free, but donations of £2 to cover the cost of ingredients and any access costs for the speaker are welcomed.

Allergens/dietary Notes

Food at this event is prepared in a kitchen that may have traces of nuts, seeds, dairy and other allergens. Everything is clearly labelled and there are always vegan and gluten free options. Please let us know if you are planning on coming along and have any food allergies by emailing: bruce@deveron-projects.com

About Friday Lunch

The sharing of food is a great leveller. On the second and fourth Friday of the month, we invite people who live or work in and around Huntly to speak about things they are passionate about – this could include their work, a project, an area of research or hobby. Topics are broad and change every time, from nature to community development, writing to food, history to social justice among many others.

About the Home Programme

This event is part of our HOME Programme. Through regular events and artists’ residencies, HOME supports the everyday and creative practices of cooking and eating, chatting and caring, sharing skills and learning together. HOME regular events include Friday Lunch, as well as the monthly Food Chain cookery workshop and a stall at the Huntly Farmers' Market. These events celebrate local knowledge and experiences, and explore what it's like to live and work in and around Huntly. Through this work we aim to build more complex understandings of Huntly and its place in the world. If you'd like to contribute to the HOME Programme, or know someone who you'd love to hear from, then get in touch with us on: info@deveron-projects.com.