A new wind farm 1.5km west of Stornoway, which will generate 129.6 megawatts electricity or enough to power 60,000 homes, has been granted planning permission.

Approved by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing, the farm will have 36 wind turbines, supporting 75 jobs in the Western Isles and generating contracts worth £40 million for the local economy.

Mr Ewing said: “I’m delighted to consent the Stornoway wind farm, which will represent a significant boost to the economy of the Western Isles and create jobs during construction and in the longer term.

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“Once it is up and running the wind farm will save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, and will produce enough electricity to power more than 60,000 homes.

“I am confident that the wind farm will provide great benefits to its local community and play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100 per cent of electricity demand generated from renewables.

“I am particularly pleased that the developer was able to work with SNH and RSPB to develop proposals which allowed this wind farm to go ahead whilst minimising affects on Lewis’ important natural heritage.

“In consenting this application I have put in place a series of conditions to protect the outstanding natural habitats and landscapes and local communities.”

The original application included 42 turbines, but the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage raised concerns about the potential impact on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area.

The developer worked with these groups to find a solution and Mr Ewing withheld consent for the 6 turbines that would impact most on the area.

(H)