Conservative MSP for Ayr, John Scott, joined ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) at the Port of Ayr, as the renewables developer announced another major turbine delivery contract for the port.

The port has been selected for the landing of turbines for the Mark Hill windfarm near Barrhill, South Ayrshire.  This further economic boost comes on the back of the Arecleoch windfarm turbines being delivered to the port and highlights the great facilities and service provided by the Port of Ayr team.

Ships loaded with over 500 turbine components have been arriving at the Port of Ayr since April 2010 before making the journey to the windfarm. 

Each turbine is made up of nine sections and when erected will measure 118m tip height and weighs over 300 tonnes.

Construction began at the 60 turbine Arecleoch Windfarm last year and the project’s capacity of 120MW is expected to be fully operational in mid 2011.  Mark Hill will have 28 turbines and a 56MW capacity.

Martin Mathers, Community Relations Manager for ScottishPower Renewables said: “We are delighted to see Ayr benefit from these projects and share in the economic growth that comes with new windfarm developments.

“SPR aims to work with local suppliers whenever possible and always encourage our contractors to make the best use of the workforce and companies near our developments.”

Stuart Cresswell, Associated British Ports’ Port Manager Ayr & Troon said: "These types of projects undoubtedly help to secure local jobs and will be of enormous benefit to the local economy.  The Port of Ayr has excellent road access for abnormal loads and is ideally located to act as the primary supply hub for the major renewable projects being developed in the south west of Scotland."

Media Information: Paul Ferguson, 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924

Notes to Editors:

*Source: New Energy Finance

• ScottishPower Renewables is part of Iberdrola Renovables, the largest wind energy company in the world with an installed capacity of close to 11,000 MW at the end of 2009, and a pipeline of over 57,400 MW. ScottishPower Renewables had over 800 MW of installed capacity at the end of 2009, and a pipeline of 5,115 MW.
   
• Iberdrola Renovables has a presence in 23 countries around the world.
   
• The company is already the largest developer and generator of on-shore wind energy in the UK, with Europe’s largest wind farm at Whitelee which was completed in May 2009.
   
• www.scottishpowerrenewables.com
   
• ABP is Britain's largest and leading ports group handling a quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and employing 2,000 staff across the business.
   
• ABP owns and operates 21 ports in England, Scotland and Wales: Ayr, Barrow, Barry, Cardiff, Fleetwood, Garston, Goole, Grimsby, Hull, Immingham, Ipswich, King's Lynn, Lowestoft, Newport, Plymouth (Millbay), Port Talbot, Silloth, Southampton, Swansea, Teignmouth and Troon.
   
• ABP's 21 ports, together with the other transport-related businesses that constitute the ABP Group, form a UK-wide network capable of handling every conceivable type of cargo. ABP is backed by investment in modern facilities and equipment, and supported by experienced staff.  The Group's activities cover transport, haulage and terminal operations, ship's agency, dredging and marine consultancy. Each port also offers a well-established community of port-service providers.
   
• The port estates owned by ABP cover 12,000 acres of land and seabed across the UK.
   
• ABP also owns 49% of DP World Southampton and 33% of Tilbury Container Services.