One farmer in Dumfries has converted all of his farms ATVs to run on LPG. This has helped him to become a green energy farmer of the year finalist in the Farmers Weekly Interactive magazine.
Farmers have been using quad bikes and ATVs for many years as they make life a great deal easier when getting around the farm and working on farms. However, the downside has always been the pollution they give off, which means they are not very green, but converting to LPG has changed all this.
Farmer Neil Gourlay has embraced the spirit of a green energy farmer with energy and environmental sustainability being at the core of his strategy for a viable long term future for his 4,800 acre sheep and beef farm. Gourlay has been running the family owned farm for over 30 years and the move towards a greener lifestyle not only benefits the planet but also the farm by reducing the dependency on fossil fuels.
Over the last three years Gourlay has installed two micro hydropower systems which generate electricity on the farm, converted the oil boiler to run on electric from the hydros and purchased an electric buggy along with converting his ATVs. He also has an ambition to build his own eco house along with a twenty three turbine wind farm. Mr Gourlay told reporters that statistically he was living in one of the windiest places in the country, which has to be a good thing for turbines.
Judges liked Mr. Gourlay`s approach to energy, business and lifestyle along with his keenness to involve the community and his technical knowledge and ability.