Plans for new Western Isles wind farm

By Annie Smith

Plans are said to be at an ‘advanced stage’ between the Stornoway Trust and Amec for a 30 turbine wind farm on Trust land.

A much larger project of wind turbines on the Isle of Lewis was turned down two years ago by the Scottish government following a concerted campaign of protest against the ‘urban-like’ development.

“Natural resources”

However the government did not rule out smaller schemes and perhaps this proposal will find favour with the community who realise the positive impact that renewable energy production could have on the economy of the Western Isles.

Numerous community wind turbines have been constructed over the last few years, with local schools and community halls reaping the benefits of the renewable power produced to lower their running costs.

Details about where the turbines will be situated and what benefits via jobs, or community income created from such a project remain unclear, however as the negotiations progress it is hoped more details will be made public shortly.

Meanwhile Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead has announced the first step of a major new programme to deliver the benefits of local ownership of energy into the hands of Scotland’s communities and businesses.

Making the keynote speech at the Scottish and Southern Energy business reception at the Royal Highland Show, Mr Lochhead said: “During the last few months I have listened to stakeholders including landowners, farmers, local business and communities who all wish to develop and own renewable energy projects using our abundant natural resources.

“Ambitious scale”

“A major stumbling block identified by all these groups is access to finance at the high risk pre-planning stage where they are still at risk of being turned down. Advice from the Forum for Renewable Energy Development Scotland (FREDS) confirms this.

“We are firmly committed to driving local ownership of energy and in doing so, securing wider community benefits. I have commissioned a feasibility study to look into early stage financing for renewables projects. It will be carried out by the Scottish Agricultural College in conjunction with Community Energy Scotland who will report back to me in three months.

“This study will consider whether a loan fund could be established that will encompass the needs of both the wider community and landowner/farming businesses.

“Community renewables encompasses local ownership of energy, by a wide range of stakeholders including: community groups, landowners, farmers, and business. Many local communities across Scotland have already secured benefits, and we want to achieve much more and on a more ambitious scale.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles