North Uist turbines named following community vote

Two community-owned wind turbines on the North Uist moor have been named following an online vote.

Children of Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath drew up a shortlist and Fionn Fuamhaire and Flòraidh Fuamhaire - Giant Finn and Giant Flora - was the popular choice.

The name Fionn was selected by the pupils because of its association with Finn’s People or Pobuill Fhinn, the stone circle near Langass Lodge in North Uist, which were probably named after the legendary hero Fionn mac Cumhaill, while Flòraidh was chosen in recognition of the famous Flora MacDonald.

The epithet ‘fuamhaire’ was chosen because the children’s main impression when they were up close to the turbines was of their impressive size and scale, using the terms ‘magnificent’ ‘enormous’ ‘massive’ and ‘phenomenal’.

North Uist Development Company which developed the renewable scheme at Clachan-na-Luib through its subsidary Uist Wind revealed a walk route is planned leading up to the turbine site, with information boards along the way, explaining the history of the project from development to operation.

Local student Hannah MacDonald worked on the walk proposal during her time as a volunteer with both Uist Wind and North Uist Development Company. Hannah is now a Community Officer for the Islands Centre for Net Zero in the Outer Hebrides.

Andrew Ross, chair of North Uist Development Company (Trading), which is managing the project on behalf of the community said: “We know that this is a long term project and we were all most impressed at how the children grasped the notion that it is ‘their’ project, which is going to be benefitting their community in the coming years.

“It is also an appropriate moment to express thanks to Catherine Macleod who stood down recently as our chair and whose hard work and commitment over the last ten years has been critical to helping us get to this point.”

North Uist turbines named following community vote

8 February 2024