The Western Isles are set to benefit from major renewable energy developments in the future, according to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CNES).

Leader Cllr Roddie Mackay said at a recent seminar, council members discussed the region's renewables outlook as well as the "major potential" for huge investment in the islands.

With the UK Government confirming Remote Island Wind will be an eligible technology to compete in the 2019 Contracts for Difference auction.

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Cllr Mackay said the Lewis Wind Power and Ushinish Developments are the only projects which have the planning consents and the grid connection offer to be able to compete in the auction.

The Comhairle Leader said: "This was a very informative and productive seminar at which we discussed the facts in relation to the renewable outlook for the Western Isles and the major potential for huge investment in these islands.

"The stakes are huge and our communities should be working together to ensure that we deliver maximum community benefit from the interconnector and the vast renewable resources we have here in the islands.

"This is not about any one community. This is about the whole of the Western Isles benefiting from our resources and our partnership working and the Comhairle is committed to supporting all renewables developments including community energy."

(LM)