FIFE Council's Provost, Councillor Jim Leishman, officially opened Fife's first wind farm on Monday.

Guests joined Cllr Leishman at the Little Raith Wind Farm, near Cowdenbeath, to celebrate the opening despite opposition from Scotland Against Spin (SAS), an independent alliance opposing the use of wind farms.

Cllr Leishman also presented a cheque for �40,125 to members of The Four Winds Community Trust as the first payment to their Community Benefit Fund which controls the community benefit funds generated from the nine turbines.

A short ceremony was held at Carnegie College after the event, which was attended by MSPs David Torrance and Helen Eadie, Fife councillors and representatives from the four community councils that border the wind farm site Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath, Auchtertool and Lumphinnans.

Brian Kennedy, chairman of Kennedy Renewables, took over the wind farm in December 2010 before it started operating last November.

Speaking at the event, Mr Kennedy revealed the company could be developing a sponsorship scheme to provide IT equipment for the use of students on the wind turbine technician course at Carnegie College.

He also said the company would provide financial support for students struggling to complete their studies.

Mr Kennedy said, "The renewables industry can provide a great future for the young people of Scotland.

"We're delighted with the welcome we've received in Fife and the assistance we had from all those associated with the Little Raith project.

"We need to ensure there's a steady supply of well-skilled workers for the industry and this sponsorship scheme is a small contribution towards making that happen."

Cllr Leishman said, "I'm delighted to officially open Little Raith wind farm.

"The company has already made their first payment to The Four Winds Development Trust and I'm sure that money will be put to good use.

"Fife Council looks forward to working with Kennedy Renewables on their other exciting initiatives involving local primary school children."

Helen Eadie, MSP for Cowdenbeath, said, "I am confident that Little Raith wind farm will make a significant contribution to the Fife economy and I'd like to wish the company all the best for a successful future."

However, Graham Lang, chair of Scotland Against Spin (SAS) said there was "little to celebrate".

He said, "A defining landmark for anyone entering Fife on the A92, Little Raith has found few fans among locals or visitors.

"Already people living nearby are complaining about noise, shadow flicker and health impacts as well as loss in residential amenity and property value.

"Concern continues to grow that the turbines are exacerbating air pollution from the nearly ethylene plant at Mossmorran.

"Perhaps it's no surprise that our elected leaders have steered clear of celebrating this deeply-flawed, exploitative development and on this sad occasion SAS sends its condolences to all those affected by the development."