CHaP equipment in online auction
EQUIPMENT from a failed heating system in Wick is to feature on an online auction next week.
The 14 items from Caithness Heat and Power include a generator, a wood-chip dryer, a steam recovery boiler, a vapour absorption heat pump, a fuel storage tank, a mezzanine floor and spiral stairs.
Bidding opens on Tuesday and closes a week later.
CHaP was set up in 2004 to provide a renewable heating system for up to 500 houses in Wick.
But the project – estimated to cost almost £14 million – experienced technological and financial problems and was scrapped.
The Highland Council took over full control of the running of the company in 2008.
A local authority spokesman confirmed the sale is to take place.
"CHaP is now offering its surplus equipment assets for sale in an online auction. The auction is being run on CHaP’s behalf by the specialist auction firm GoIndustry DoveBid," he said.
The spokesman pointed out the week-long auction aims to recover some of the funds invested to date by the council.
"The district heating scheme will continue to operate until April 2012 to allow reinstatement work to be undertaken or for customers to make alternative arrangements", he added.