LEWIS WIND FARM DECISION

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is deeply disappointed with the decision by the Scottish Government to refuse planning consent for the proposed 181 turbine Lewis Wind Farm on the grounds of incompatibility with European Law.  Vice Convener, Angus Campbell, said –

“The decision to refuse the Lewis Wind Farm proposal is deeply disappointing and perplexing in view of the Scottish Government’s Renewable Energy Policy to make Scotland the green power house of Europe.  The Government has got the balance between the environment and the socio economic benefits of the wind farm completely out of kilter.   It is hard to believe that this Government has blocked the opportunity to provide a sustainable long term economic injection for the Western Isles economy.  This is also a devastating blow for Arnish Point Fabrication Yard which was poised to reap long terms benefits from production of turbines for the Lewis Wind Farm project.

However, despite the fact that this application has been turned down, I am heartened by the letter from the Energy Minister, Jim Mather, which states,
  ‘This decision does not mean that there cannot be onshore wind farms in the Western Isles.  I strongly believe the vast renewables potential needs to be exploited to ensure that the opportunities and benefits of new development can be shared across the country in an equitable fashion.  That is why we will urgently carry out work on how to develop renewable energy in the Western Isles, in harmony with its outstanding natural heritage.  This work will result in an action plan for sustainable development on the Islands and will be ready in the autumn’.

The Comhairle will continue to engage in dialogue with the Government and potential developers to look at further options to develop the vast power resources on the Islands.

We see onshore wind as an investment for the future providing sub-sea connection and achieving long term offshore, tidal and wave power generation.  This was reinforced last week by the First Minister with his enthusiasm for a fairer charging regime and the announcement that the Western Isles has been included in the study for sub-sea connection”.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk