The first large scale wind farm in the Western Isles has been approved.

Energy Minister Jim Mather has approved a 33 turbine, 118 Megawatt (MW) wind farm at Muaitheabhal providing green electricity for 55,000 homes, nearly four times the number of homes on the islands.

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.

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Additionally, a further 0.5 per cent slice of turnover will be paid to the Western Isles Development Trust.

To improve the visual impact of the scheme, today's consent removes six turbines from the application for a 39 turbine, 140 MW wind farm. The Minister has also imposed conditions to protect the natural environment and cultural heritage.

Jim 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 Mr Mather said he has 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," he added.

(GK/BMcC)