That's according to the man who has overseen the project to install the wind turbine at the town's dock area which was introduced to the skyline a couple of weeks ago.

Derek Mitchell told the Mail the structure's creation was a "defining moment" in the work which will go on at the Hydrogen Office and claimed world events have shown how important renewable energy creation is.

"In light of the tragic events in the Gulf of Mexico, there has never been a more pressing time to develop alternatives to Scotland's reliance on oil and gas," he said.

"Hydrogen is one of these alternatives, allowing the storage of energy from variable renewable sources like wind energy, for periods when the wind is not blowing.

"In addition to improving Scotland's energy independence, these technologies have important environmental benefits.

"Unlike oil, hydrogen is non toxic and its use in this system does not produce carbon dioxide or other forms of pollution."

The Hydrogen Office is a non-profit organisation which has been created to speed up Scotland's development of the renewable, hydrogen, fuel cell and energy storage industries.

Although the turbine's foundations are complete it is not yet fully kitted out and a new Scottish Power electrical substation has still to be put in place.

Jim Keiller, Alsherra Investments Ltd, said "The turbine is a culmination of four years of hard work, and should aid the attraction of new and innovative energy companies to the area.

"It is providing a focal point for the business park, and has generated a lot of interest so far."