Britain's first fully commercial wind turbine is to be unveiled in Scotland.

The turbine will provide power for a distribution depot operated by the Sainsbury's supermarket company in East Kilbride.

UK minister for energy and industry Brian Wilson and Scottish Executive environment minister Rhona Brankin will officially launch the project.

The project, called Merchant Wind Power, has been put together by Gloucestershire-based firm Ecotricity.

'Environmental agenda'

Bosses say the initiative, which provides organisations with an economic source of renewable energy, showcases the world's leading wind energy technology.

The turbine will produce enough power to supply a third of the electricity required by the depot.

An Ecotricity spokeswoman said: "This provides an economic and commercially viable on-site source of renewable power for organisations with an environmental agenda."

The turbine was made in Germany and transported to Scotland in eight sections and took three days to set up.

'Economical power'

The firm also revealed the turbine is equipped with special blades which are faster and quieter and also maximise energy from wind resource.

It is claimed the wind power scheme will prevent the emission of about 1645 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 19 tonnes of sulphur dioxide every year.

The spokeswoman added: "Ecotricity is a fully integrated renewable energy provider with the unique capability to manage new energy developments.

"It is a pioneering initiative that leads to the supply of 'green' energy which costs less than conventional electricity in the long run."