The Environmental and Protective Services Committee of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has completed three days of extensive information gathering in relation to a windfarm scheme proposed by Scottish and Southern Energy plc for the Pairc area of Lewis.

The proposed 205MW windfarm would have 57 turbines over a site of approximately 56 square kilometres.

Local and national organisations were invited to give presentations to the Committee in the form of a Hearing. Among those attending were: Pairc and Kinloch Community Councils, Pairc Trust, the Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust, HIAL, NHS Western Isles, Scottish Crofting Foundation, SEPA, SNH and the RSPB.

The Chairman of the Committee, Cllr Norman A Macdonald, said:

"This was an extremely useful part of the process and provided the Committee with a range of information on a number of issues. This will be collected together and a comprehensive analysis brought forward to assist us in reaching a position on this proposal.”

The application will be decided by Scottish Ministers but the Comhairle is the Principal Consultee. The Comhairle is likely to reach a position on the application in December of this year.