I recently went to walk round a client's farm after a period of
change. When I first knew the farm I was struck by a disused
old stone cottage with spectacular views but no services beyond
water. To meet modern needs, but without spending the tens of
thousands that would have been required to bring in
electricity, that cottage now has a small wind turbine.
The building has been enlarged to make the most of the views and is
warmed by a solid fuel system that heats vast drums of water, with
excess electricity from the wind turbine contributing to the
process. The net result is that six holidaymakers keen on
walking in one of Scotland's wetter and wilder parts, can each have
a bath on their return from the hill. All of the working
parts of the house have been rebuilt in a dreadnaught
quality. Some people still build with vision and
sensitivity.