ScotRail has announced a £75,000 project to install a wind turbine at Montrose station to generate eco-friendly power for the premises.

Montrose will become the first staffed station in Scotland to produce its own wind-generated electricity when the 5kW turbine is erected this spring.

ScotRail expects the scheme to create up to 9,000kWh of energy annually, to help power heating, lighting and information signs at the station.

Stewart Cahill, ScotRail’s environmental compliance manager, said: “This is an exciting and innovative project as part of ScotRail’s ongoing efforts to further enhance its environmental performance.

“By introducing a wind turbine at Montrose, ScotRail is reducing carbon emissions without impacting on the quality service we offer our customers.”

The project has been made possible with support from Transport Scotland.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “I am encouraged that ScotRail is making a positive contribution to carbon emissions reduction in Scotland and look forward to further similar projects to improve the environmental performance of Scotland’s railway.”

The wind turbine has been granted planning permission by Angus Council and also received landlord’s consent.

The turbine mast will be 10 metres tall, while its rotor blades will have a 2.7 metre radius.

It will be the second environmental project to take place at Montrose station during the last 12 months. ScotRail worked with the Scottish Wildlife Trust last summer to install permanent bird-watching equipment at the station, allowing customers to view birds including pink-footed geese and red knot.