Local authorities on Scotland's remote islands have welcomed news they can compete in the next competitive auction for less established renewable technologies.

The UK Government announced earlier this week the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland Islands will be able to compete for up to £577 million of funding support in the next Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction, which is scheduled to be held in spring 2019.

More than 700MW of wind projects across the Islands have current planning consents, which could supply around 3% of the UK's total electricity demand.

Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Roddie Mackay, said: "This is very good news for the Islands and the development of the renewables industry. The Comhairle has been campaigning for this for a number of years and this is another step forward in enabling the Islands to become a major secure supplier of clean, green energy for the UK. It would also be of enormous benefit to the economy of the islands and we look forward to engaging with the Government to consider the appropriate levels of funding for the auction.

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"As soon as developer commitment and regulatory approval is confirmed through the 2019 Auction, the Transmission Owner, SSE Networks, have indicated that they will start work on the new Transmission connection for the Western Isles."

Orkney Islands Council Leader James Stockan also welcomed the decision.

However, he added it was disappointing that wave and tidal projects will not be included.

"It is vital that projects in our islands can compete for support that could make a real difference in getting projects off the ground. Our Council made the strongest possible case for this," he said.

"The Westminster and Scottish Governments recognise that wind projects in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles have the potential to provide around 3% of UK’s total energy demand.

"So I am very pleased that projects in the islands, with the potential to greatly benefit our community, will have access to the same funding opportunities as offshore wind in the next auction round.

"It is disappointing that wave and tidal projects are not included and we will continue to put the case for the funding support that will benefit the further development of the marine renewables sector."

(LM/MH)