Cash boost for Lewis community windfarm

By Greigg Adams

Point community’s plan to build a wind farm and generate income and jobs has been boosted today by the news that the government’s Climate Change Fund has awarded the renewable energy project £73,000.

A cache of £3.6 million for projects across the country was announced by Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead, who said of the funding: “Climate change will change our lives and the environment.

“The Climate Challenge Fund is helping to generate grassroots action across Scotland and once again we have received a huge number of applications. I am encouraged by the innovative methods displayed by communities and businesses at each round of funding, and round six is no exception.

“We have now awarded more than £15.6 million to almost 200 project across Scotland. Through this the Scottish Government is empowering communities to realise their climate change potential and giving the means to achieve it.”

The Point and Development Trust plan to build three turbines, generating 9MW, just outside Stornoway near the Pentland Road junction.

At optimum production it is expected the ‘wind farm’ would be able to supply the energy needs of 6,000 households.

Planning permission for the project was granted in May and it’s hoped construction will finish in June 2011.

Another island project benefiting from the Fund are Lewis and Harris Horticultural Producers who received £39,700.

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