Landowners are being invited to put forward possible sites for a large scale wind farm development in Orkney.

Orkney Islands Council are investigating the potential to develop a wind energy project as a source of income for the county.

An initial study commissioned last year looked at four potential sites, two of which have since been ruled out as unsuitable for a large wind farm.

Landowners who might be interested in selling or leasing sites of at least 100 hectares (247 acres), which could be developed as a sizeable wind farm, are being asked to contact the council.

The next phase of work on the project will involve drawing up detailed proposals for the wind energy development. A community consultation on these draft proposals will then take place, to gather feedback from the public, local businesses and a range of other organisations.

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Orkney Islands Council Leader, James Stockan, said: "As we move forward with this initiative, we want to make sure we've explored every avenue open to us.

"We welcome approaches from people across Orkney with land that could prove suitable - it's important we identify the best possible location for the type of project we envisage.

"The income from a large scale wind farm could play a vital role in enabling us to maintain services and avoid the need for cuts.

"In addition, a substantial wind energy development would require a new grid connection to the Scottish mainland.

"With a new link to the grid, community-owned wind turbines could then operate to their full potential, instead of having their output constrained. It could also act as a catalyst for the further development of our marine renewables industry."

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(LM/MH)