Case Studies

Community Land Scotland multiple member exchange

Community owned housing and engagement in planning how to build networks of support.

A small group of people standing smiling around a welcome sign to Eigg and a renewable energy sign with wind turbines.

The exchange supported CLS members achieve improved understanding of established community ownership projects for early stage groups.

Learning Outcomes

  • Engagement early on with planning processes and consideration around sub-structure requirements/connections to services
  • How to plan for hidden or unknown costs such as legal and additional survey fee
  • Connections/new networks with people who have expertise for future projects.

"Key to us was learning around similar challenges faced in other places, the time it takes and that ongoing support funding for asset management is needed in most places- ways to structure organisations, new ideas and things to aim for!"

Case Studies

Eigg Electric and off grid communities

Off grid communities had a lot to share on how energy systems are managed.

picure loooking out of a boat with two orange life rings on the side and water and hills in the background

This include site visits to both the Knoydart hydropower system and the village substation, Millbrun Filed and observing the transformer data collection. Eigg Electric were able to share learning on the unique microgrid of wind, sun and hydro – the opportunities and challenges of this system.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learnings on the sustainable management of microgrid energy systems
  • Opportunities around training programs for operations teams, sharing resourcing and knowledge
  • Importance of retaining essential skills within remote communities
  • Overcoming challenges around specialist equipment and system nuances

“The community learning exchange visit showcased exciting opportunities for future collaboration between Eigg Electric, Knoydart Renewables and their broader communities, highlighting the potential advantages of a wider micro-grid support network- the benefits of which would go beyond these 2 remote communities.”