Investigations are to be carried out exploring the potential for developing a wind farm project in the Orkney Islands.

The council has revealed that after assessing a number of sites, it plans to undertake a detailed investigation to see if land to the west of Lyness would be suitable for a 'substantial' wind energy development, which would generate significant income and community benefit for Orkney.

Bird and ground surveys will be carried out over the months ahead as part of the site investigation work and it is planned that wind measuring equipment will be installed in due course. In addition, a grid connection has been applied for.

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An initial assessment estimates the site could contain up to 30 turbines, each with a 3 – 3.5 megawatt (MW) capacity.

Council Leader James Stockan said the local authority are taking an "enterprising approach to tackling the considerable financial challenges we face".

"It would be remiss of us if we failed to fully explore a project of this kind, which could be of enormous benefit to Orkney," he said.

"By identifying a potential site, we have now reached a significant milestone. This is why we wanted to give the local community the first opportunity to hear and ask questions about the project and what happens next."

Cllr Stockan continued: "A large scale wind farm could make a major contribution towards helping the Council to preserve and enhance key services people value and depend upon.

"Importantly, it could also serve as a transformational source of funding for projects of great value to our community.

"The profits generated would remain in Orkney, for the good of Orkney – supporting initiatives that boost the social and economic wellbeing of the county. This would occur during the lifetime of the wind farm.

"It is important to stress, however, that there are many stages to go through before a decision is taken on whether the project goes ahead and in what form."

(LM)