Community benefits and opportunities

Hydro-electric power is generated by water flowing down a pipe to a turbine. Eight rural communities have taken the opportunity to develop sites on FLS land, including the first such scheme at Stank Glen in 2014. Two more have taken a share in their local scheme. Local projects can then access funds from the income received. The Callander Community Hydro Fund, for example, offers around £50,000 a year to the local area.

The main infrastructure is mostly hidden underground with a small dam and a powerhouse usually the only parts visible. The Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS) is available for registering an interest in any site on FLS land.

Windfarm developments are much larger in scale. A few communities are working with developers on our land to agree a share in the development. Some of these are now under construction, others have planning permission, so discussions are underway. We support these as best we can.

There are three ways that community groups are involved in projects:

1. community benefit payments
2. community investment
3. community self-development

Community groups access payments from developer led renewable energy projects.

In 2010 we introduced a standard annual community benefit of £5,000 per MW installed. This industry standard is part of the Scottish Government Good Practice Principles.

The community must be represented by an appropriate organisation, defined below:

• Definition of an appropriate community organisation (PDF)

We’ve also produced guidance for developers:

• Developer guidance - Community Benefit Arrangements (PDF)

For most schemes currently underway we require developers to look for ways communities can take a stake if they wish. Support is offered by the Scottish Government’s CARES funding to help with community capability and decision-making. These involve large sums of money, so take a long time to complete.

Community investment on Scotland's national forests and land (PDF) outlines the principles we apply to funding these opportunities.

Communities can develop their own renewables schemes on our land through the Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS). We work with groups that express an interest in these opportunities.

You can get advice about community benefits and opportunities from Local Energy Scotland. You can phone them on 0808 808 2288.

You may also be able to receive help from:

• Development Trusts Association Scotland
• Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
• Community Woodlands Association
• Community Energy Scotland