Energy
INTRODUCTION
In the past the Highlands depended on the natural resources of wind, water, wood and peat as sources of energy.
Wind power was difficult to harness and traditional windmills were few. Water power was used widely for many centuries, particularly in the milling of grain and later for spinning and weaving woollens. Wood, in the form of charcoal, was used for iron smelting. There are remains of iron works at e.g. Loch Awe and Loch Maree where the place names 'Furnace' still survive to this day. Wood also provided domestic fuel ; but most domestic heating was got from burning peat. Peat is still dug by traditional methods in many areas of the Highlands, though the practice is dying out.
All in all it sounds as if the Highlands might be short of energy for the modern world. Far from it! Today the Highlands & Islands are one of the richest energy provinces in Europe with large oil and gas reserves offshore, abundant hydro power and a great potential for wind and wave power.
CONTENTS
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