A remote northern isles community has been nicknamed “silicon valley” for embracing renewable energy schemes.

Residents living in Ratwick, Orkney, have turned to wind turbines and solar panels to get cheap electricity and are hoping others may follow their lead.

Few people can claim to be more green than local David Hutchison, who has been generating his own electricity for nearly three decades.

He said: “Ratwick may have become known as silicone valley and I think the title is very well earned because so many of my neighbours have joined me in the race for renewables.”

“Being independent of the grade is wonderful because electricity these days costs so much,” added Mr Hutchison.

“I’ve been at this renewable energy game now for nearly 30 years  and it costs very little.

“I think my initial investment was about £100.”

Ratwick lies next to the Pentland Firth, famous for its ferocious tides. It is thought that the Firth may generate vast amounts of Scotland’s energy in the future by machines that harness the tides.

It was announced this week that 38 companies have expressed an interest in leasing sites in the area for the development of marine energy projects

But in the meantime Mr Hutchison hopes that his more modest means of generating renewable energy will rub off on others.

“I think more communities and small, isolated places that don’t have public electricity could follow our example and maybe learn from us,” added Mr Hutchison.

“Renewables are the future and I think we’d be very stupid if we don’t get on the bandwagon now.”