Five offshore renewable energy sites have been approved in Scottish waters.

The Crown Estate said the projects could potentially deliver 5GW of electricity between them.

The total capacity for projects awarded agreements for lease in Scottish waters is in line with Scottish government targets at 10GW.

Final consent for individual developments is controlled by Marine Scotland.

The Crown Estate's Scottish commissioner Gareth Baird revealed that The Crown Estate has already invested £16 million in offshore renewable energy in Scotland.

He also said that it planned to invest a further £20 million over the next five years, funding 'enabling actions' such as environmental studies and engagement work attract investment.

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Mr Baird commented: "We're very pleased to achieve this important milestone, and will continue to work closely with Scottish Government and developers to progress projects and attract investment, with the aim of helping meet Scotland's ambitious targets on renewable energy production."

Of the five new sites, two are off the west coast: Argyll Array, 5km (3mls) off Tiree, and Islay, 13km (8mls) off the west coast of Islay.

The Inch Cape project is in the outer Firth of Tay, approximately 15km (10mls) off the Angus coast.

The Beatrice offshore wind farm will be in the Moray Firth, close to the Beatrice oil field, and the final project, Neart na Gaoithe, is 15km (10mls) off the coast of Fife.

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland has an estimated quarter of Europe's offshore wind resource, making us the powerhouse of green energy in Europe. With this wealth of natural resources it is vital that we plan now to secure the benefits of this next energy revolution for future generations."

(JG/BMcC)