The Energy Agency drew crowds in excess of two thousand eight hundred  people on Saturday 23rd September to Ayrshire’s first public fair devoted to renewable energy. The popularity of the theme exceeded all expectations as the public streamed through the doors of the Scottish Agricultural College’s refectory building at Auchincruive on the outskirts of Ayr.

Successive energy price rises and continuous reference to the dire consequences of climate change in the media, and possibly the recent announcement that the Virgin organisation is to invest billions in combating greenhouse gas emission, have raised interest in the possibilities for renewables to a new peak.

The visitors queued patiently to question the 25 stand holders and packed the side rooms to hear presentations by specialists and consultants on the workings of solar, heat pump, wind, hydro and wood-burning systems, energy efficiency, grants and government policy on renewables. They saw demonstrators of all the technologies including a working wood pellet stove, wind turbines and solar panels.

Provost Winifred Sloan said "I was delighted to attend such a successful and encouraging event.  The high level of attendance confirms the interest in renewable energy and the need to consider alternative sources of energy production.  Equally important is the need to save energy through increased energy efficiency. The well-attended seminars provided relevant and topical subject matter.  I am confident that if each person plays a small part in addressing their energy consumption we can make a real difference to carbon emissions in Scotland, resulting in improved quality of life now and in the future".

Arrivals at the hall were met by a local wood chipping machine with samples of fuelwood suitable for the boiler on display. A micro hydro turbine created a soothing water feature as crowds lined up for their low energy light bulbs, provided by the event’s main sponsor Scottish & Southern Energy.

The Scottish Solar Energy Group demonstrator vehicle had enough sun to heat its solar water tank and stand holders reported that a great many domestic site visits were arranged during the day. The Farmer’s Market Shop on site also enjoyed record sales.

The Energy Agency, a charitable company now based at Auchincruive, would like to thank the Scottish Agricultural College and the event sponsors, Scottish & Southern Energy, Airtricity, Amec and South Ayrshire Council for their generous support and assistance.

Photographed are the main sponsors; Airtricity, AMEC, Scottish Agricultural College, Scottish & Southern Energy and South Ayrshire Council along with Liz Marquis, Director of the Energy Agency.


October 2006