Controversial plans for the first major windfarm in the Western Isles were yesterday given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government.
The 33-turbine scheme at Muaitheabhal on the Eisgein Estate will create more than 150 jobs and is expected to bring “substantial” economic benefits to Lewis.
The John Muir Trust and the RSPB last night said the decision would “erode yet another area of stunning wildness”.
The 478ft turbines will be visible from mountaintops on neighbouring Harris, including Clisham, the highest point in the Western Isles, and will be erected in an area which has one of the highest densities of golden eagles in the world.
Energy Minister Jim Mather, who approved the 118MW windfarm, predicted that with further wind factories earmarked for the Western Isles, “this could just be the start”.
He said: “Since the first proposals for a windfarm on Lewis were put forward, I have maintained that the Western Isles must be able to play its part in harnessing and benefiting from our vast green energy potential.”
John Muir Trust head of policy Helen McDade said: “It is ironic that this is being done in the name of climate change, but the proposed wind-power development will be constructed almost entirely on peatland habitats, which act as a valuable store of carbon if undisturbed.” The RSPB’s head of planning and development, Aedan Smith, added: “If deaths of eagles occur then we would expect a review of this scheme.
“However, there does not appear to be any requirement to properly monitor the windfarm beyond the first three years of its 25-year life.”
Mr Mather said: “The scheme will create around 150 full-time equivalent construction jobs and has potential to support existing businesses, create new businesses and offer new possibilities for the Arnish Point facility.
“It also provides a stimulus for the provision of a grid inter-connector to the mainland.
“In consenting this application I have put in place a series of conditions to protect the outstanding natural habitats and landscapes, improve transport and minimise disturbance to communities.
“The study the Scottish Government published last January showed that there could be further renewable energy development in the Western Isles. This could just be the start.”
The Muaitheabhal windfarm site, about 13 miles south-west of Stornoway, is bordered to the north and west by Loch Seaforth and to the south-east by Loch Sealg.
Beinn Mhor Power and Crionaig Power initially applied to construct and operate a 53-turbine windfarm on the site in 2004.
Following an objection by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), a public inquiry was held in Stornoway in May 2008, with the number of turbines cut to 39, before being further reduced to 33 by Mr Mather. The operator will pay the Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust 1% of its turnover and 0.5% will go to the Western Isles Development Trust.
SNH’s Western Isles area manager David Maclennan said Mr Mather’s ruling had “delivered a good outcome” for the Outer Hebrides.
He said: “This amended proposal helps preserve the integrity of the National Scenic Area in good condition for future generations. It also enables an important renewable energy project to proceed.”