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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| First major wind project approved | First major wind project approved |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The first large scale wind farm planned for the Western Isles has been approved by the Scottish government. | The first large scale wind farm planned for the Western Isles has been approved by the Scottish government. |
| Thirty-nine turbines had been proposed for the Muaitheabhal Wind Farm on Eisgein Estate, Lewis, but permission has been granted for 33. | Thirty-nine turbines had been proposed for the Muaitheabhal Wind Farm on Eisgein Estate, Lewis, but permission has been granted for 33. |
| The Scottish government said it would generate electricity for 55,000 homes - almost four times the number of homes on the islands. | The Scottish government said it would generate electricity for 55,000 homes - almost four times the number of homes on the islands. |
| Landscape conservation charity John Muir Trust had objected to the farm. | Landscape conservation charity John Muir Trust had objected to the farm. |
| Among its objections was that some of the 145 metre tall turbines would be visible from the Calanais standing stones. | |
| RSPB Scotland said more renewable energy developments were needed to help tackle climate change. | |
| But it said the Lewis site had one of the highest densities of golden eagles anywhere in the world and was concerned about the project. | |
| I have maintained that the Western Isles must be able to play its part in harnessing and benefitting from our vast green energy potential Jim MatherEnergy Minister | I have maintained that the Western Isles must be able to play its part in harnessing and benefitting from our vast green energy potential Jim MatherEnergy Minister |
| Six turbines were now been refused permission to try to lessen the visual impact of the scheme. | |
| When first proposed, the project featured 133 turbines. | When first proposed, the project featured 133 turbines. |
| Approval for Muaitheadbhal comes in the same week the £80m Baillie wind farm near Thurso was approved by the government. | Approval for Muaitheadbhal comes in the same week the £80m Baillie wind farm near Thurso was approved by the government. |
| Baillie wind farm will supply power to the upgraded Beauly to Denny electricity transmission line. | Baillie wind farm will supply power to the upgraded Beauly to Denny electricity transmission line. |
| Western Isles Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said plans to upgrade the inter-connector - a power line linking the islands with the Scottish mainland - should now be pushed forward. | Western Isles Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said plans to upgrade the inter-connector - a power line linking the islands with the Scottish mainland - should now be pushed forward. |
| Energy Minister Jim Mather said the Eisgein scheme would provide jobs for 150 people during its construction and make funds available to community projects. | Energy Minister Jim Mather said the Eisgein scheme would provide jobs for 150 people during its construction and make funds available to community projects. |
| The developer has entered into a formal agreement with the comhairle, which commits 1% of turnover of the wind farm to the Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust. | The developer has entered into a formal agreement with the comhairle, which commits 1% of turnover of the wind farm to the Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust. |
| A further 0.5% share of turnover will be paid to the Western Isles Development Trust. | A further 0.5% share of turnover will be paid to the Western Isles Development Trust. |
| Plans rejected | Plans rejected |
| Mr Mather said: "Since the first proposals for a wind farm on Lewis were put forward, I have maintained that the Western Isles must be able to play its part in harnessing and benefitting from our vast green energy potential. Today, we are making that reality." | Mr Mather said: "Since the first proposals for a wind farm on Lewis were put forward, I have maintained that the Western Isles must be able to play its part in harnessing and benefitting from our vast green energy potential. Today, we are making that reality." |
| Onshore wind projects offer the best economic and community benefit to the Western Isles, according to a Scottish government report published a year ago. | Onshore wind projects offer the best economic and community benefit to the Western Isles, according to a Scottish government report published a year ago. |
| It identified potential for a 150 megawatt (MW) wind farm on North Lewis. Muaitheabhal has capacity to generate 118 MW. | It identified potential for a 150 megawatt (MW) wind farm on North Lewis. Muaitheabhal has capacity to generate 118 MW. |
| In 2008, Scottish ministers rejected plans for a 181-turbine scheme on Barvas Moor, Lewis, designed to generate 651 MW of electricity. | In 2008, Scottish ministers rejected plans for a 181-turbine scheme on Barvas Moor, Lewis, designed to generate 651 MW of electricity. |
| Comhairle Leader, Angus Campbell, welcomed the decision to approve Muaitheabhal. | Comhairle Leader, Angus Campbell, welcomed the decision to approve Muaitheabhal. |
| He added: "I believe we should see this positive news as a driving force for the early upgrading of the inter-connector to the islands which holds the key to the development of future wind, wave and tidal projects." | He added: "I believe we should see this positive news as a driving force for the early upgrading of the inter-connector to the islands which holds the key to the development of future wind, wave and tidal projects." |