COUNTY residents are invited to have their say, at an exhibition in Spott later this month, on a proposed �1.2 billion offshore wind farm in the outer Forth estuary.

Mainstream Renew-able Power, a global renewable energy developer, is holding a consultation event on the proposed Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm and associated onshore works at an exhibition in Spott Village Hall on November 29, 4-8pm.

The event will feature a display of the proposed wind farm and photomontages of how it might look from the shore. Members of the Mainstream team will be available to answer visitors' questions.

In 2009, Mainstream was awarded exclusive rights by The Crown Estate to develop the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm, to be sited 30 kilometres north of Torness and 15.5 km east of Fife Ness.

The location was chosen for its development suitability, combining acceptable water depth and ground conditions, low shipping densities and optimal wind speeds.

National Grid has offered a grid connection point at the Crystal Rig II wind farm in the Lammermuir Hills and it is proposed the marine cable will come onshore at Thorntonloch near Torness Power Station and connect to Crystal Rig II via a buried cable. New substation infrastructure will be required adjacent to the existing substation, which is located within Crystal Rig.

Mainstream's Zo� Crutchfield said: "It's very important for us that the local community has plenty of opportunity to get their opinions heard and to voice any concerns they may have so their views are taken into account." Local wildlife issues are also under consideration, with the impact on birds and marine mammals considered to be key issues for the development.

Long-term mammal and bird surveys are taking place and their outcomes will be fed into the overall development plans.

Ms Crutchfield added: "We understand wind farm developments can lead to polarised views, so we want to show we are taking wildlife and environmental issues very seriously." Mainstream plans to start construction by 2015.