The ambitious MachairWind offshore windfarm project, proposed for the waters off Scotland's west coast, has reached a key milestone with the conclusion of its first round of statutory public consultation. The engagement, designed to gather vital local input, wrapped up on Sunday, 6 July.

The consultation process saw the project team engage with communities across Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Ross of Mull, and Iona. This included online webinars, a virtual consultation room, and six well-attended community drop-in events across the five islands, aiming to provide extensive opportunities for local people to have their say on the clean energy initiative.

Feedback gathered from all participants will now be meticulously reviewed and considered by ScottishPower Renewables. This input is crucial as the developer refines the details and designs for the proposed windfarm ahead of a further round of consultation later in the year. The consent application for the windfarm development area is currently planned for submission to the Scottish Government's Marine Directorate in the first half of next year.


Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables' MachairWind Development Lead, extended her gratitude: “A massive thank you to everyone who took the time to come along to our events, get in touch online or visit our virtual consultation room – we really appreciate your efforts and input at this early stage of the project.” Ms Wilson underscored the importance of this feedback as the team refines the proposed windfarm's details and designs.

MachairWind has the potential to generate approximately 2GW of clean, green electricity, which would be sufficient to power the equivalent of up to two million homes. Beyond renewable energy generation, the project is also expected to deliver significant investment, jobs, and opportunities across the west coast of Scotland and beyond.

The statutory consultation focused exclusively on the windfarm development area – the specific area of seabed north-west of Islay and west of Colonsay designated to host up to 147 wind turbines, their foundations, and connecting cables. This area has already been significantly reduced in size, from 754km² to 510km², as part of early design considerations and could be refined further as project plans advance. Separate consultation will take place at a later date to address the related electricity transmission infrastructure, which will connect the windfarm to the grid in the south-west of mainland Scotland.

The MachairWind team confirmed they would maintain engagement with island communities, with plans to attend the Mull Bunessan Show and the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Show next month.