Broom Power (Lochbroom Community Renewables)

Lochbroom Community Renewables (LCR) is a Community Benefit Society which was set up by Ullapool Community Trust (UCT) to run renewable energy projects.

LCR’s first project, to establish a small scale hydro-electric scheme on the Allt a’ Mhuilinn, was initiated because of strong local support for community-owned renewable energy schemes. An opportunity arose from an invitation from Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) for communities to develop hydro projects on local, state owned woodland through the National Forest Land Scheme. Two sites were identified and, after initial feasibility work, the Allt a’ Mhuilinn burn offered the most viable location for a small-scale hydro scheme. The burn is 9 miles south of Ullapool and flows down through steep woodland, crosses under the A835 into the river Broom and then on into Loch Broom (Loch Bhraoin, “loch of rain showers”).

The Society will run and invest in renewable energy projects in the locality. Being a community benefit society will allow us to raise funds through a share issue giving local people a chance to have a real stake in the projects and in their own community.