Scottish Western Isles to get its first wind farm

A 33 turbine, 118MW wind farm at Muaitheabhal in the Western Isles, providing green electricity for 55,000 homes, nearly four times the number of homes on the islands, has been given the go ahead by Scottish Energy Minister Jim Mather.

The development will create around 150 construction jobs with further permanent jobs when operational. The applicant has committed to use locally sourced material, labour, transport and plant hire wherever possible to ensure maximum economic benefit to the Isles.

The developer has entered into a formal agreement with the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar committing one per cent of turnover of the wind farm to the Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust, to enhance the ecological and cultural heritage resource of the Eisgein estate. Additionally, a further 0.5 per cent slice of turnover will be paid to the Western Isles Development Trust.

Mr Mather said: "Since the first proposals for a wind farm on Lewis were put forward, I have maintained that the Western Isles must be able to play its part in harnessing and benefitting from our vast green energy potential. Today, we are making that reality.

"I am delighted that the application was able to be approved, bringing as it does substantial economic and community benefits to the islands. The development will use local companies and local labour and the community will receive a slice of profits for as long as the wind blows and the turbines turn.

"The scheme will create around 150 full time equivalent construction jobs and has potential to support existing businesses, create new businesses and offer new possibilities for the Arnish Point facility. It also provides a stimulus for the provision of a grid inter-connector to the mainland.

"In consenting this application I have put in place a series of conditions to protect the outstanding natural habitats and landscapes, improve transport and minimise disturbance to communities.

"The study the Scottish Government published last January showed that there could be further renewable energy development in the Western Isles. This could just be the start."