Crichton area of Dumfries could soon benefit from cheap heating source

A bid is being made to provide a cheap heating source for homes and businesses in the Crichton area of Dumfries.

Work is being carried out to investigate the possibility of developing a local heat energy network.

Natural Power is drilling boreholes adjacent to Eskdale House to help build the case for the project.

In addition to the eco-benefits, The Crichton Trust is hoping it will provide a solution to the problem of rocketing energy prices.

Chief executive Gwilym Gibbons said: “This is a hugely important project for The Crichton Trust and for the partners and tenants who are set to benefit from the decarbonisation of the Crichton and from the long-term financial savings that will result from the development of a local heat energy network.

“We now eagerly await the findings and recommendations from this phase of the feasibility study, which will help inform next steps.”

With a shared commitment and the backing of the council and NHS to reach net-zero, the trust submitted a pre-energy crisis bid to the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Sam Beaton from Natural Power carried out research for the first phase of the project.

She said: “The collective consortium of The Crichton Trust, NHS, Dumfries and Galloway College, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Rural Agricultural College as well as local private enterprise and residences provide a unique and diversified mix of building age, type and demand for a local heat network.”

By drilling boreholes, Natural Power will be able to monitor and assess the geology of the Dumfries aquifer and understand its potential as a sustainable heat source for the Crichton.

Toby Gilbert, head of design and geotechnical at Natural Power, who is leading on the hydrogeological assessment, highlighted the national significance of the study.

He said: “Our team are very excited to be working on this project that will ultimately provide renewable heat to The Crichton.

“The Dumfries sedimentary basin contains a very significant aquifer of national importance which is used for agricultural, industrial and domestic supplies.”

Councillor Katie Hagmann, chairwoman of the economy and resources committee, said: “This is a hugely exciting project and one that the council is very pleased to be a part of.”

The study, now in its final phase, will provide the information needed to determine the scale and implications of developing a local heat energy network at The Crichton and the level of investment required to deliver the project.

If it proves a success the scheme could be extended to Dumfries town centre.