Spiorad na Mara is a proposed offshore wind farm, located approximately 5-13km off the West Coast of the Isle of Lewis. The community-benefit commitment will see the communities closest to the development receive £4.5 million per annum for a period of 35 years.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said it will continue discussions with proposed wind developers to ensure that all developments benefit the economy of the Western Isles and strengthen its community resilience.

Councillor Donald Crichton, chair of the Comhairle’s Sustainable Development Committee, said: “Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has worked for more than 20 years to progress the development of wind power in the Western Isles. This work has been carried out with the aim of securing long-term economic benefits for our communities and to ensure that we play our part in clean energy production and progression towards national net zero targets.

“The commitment of £4.5 million per annum for a period of 35 years is evidence of the real economic benefits wind developments bring to communities and the positive outcomes of the Comhairle’s work. Investment of this scale has the potential to create employment opportunities, improve local services and provide an opportunity for more people to make their homes in the Western Isles. I commend all involved for their work which has laid the foundations for this announcement.

“Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will continue dialogue with developers to ensure that all developments bring long-term financial benefits to the Western Isles.”