CROFTERS could share in a £2 million a year bonus after a major island wind farm project received the green light from the Scottish Government.
Large sums of money will go to residents after the £200m Lewis Wind Power project in the Western Isles goes live.
Early estimates suggest the scheme could also reap £2m a year for the publicly owned Stornoway Estate. Local communities would get around £750,000.
RSPB Scotland had originally criticised the project, west of Stornoway on Lewis, due to its potential threat to the golden eagle population.
A scaled-down development, backed by the bird charity, was finally given the go-ahead yesterday by the Scottish Government after more than eight years of negotiations. It was placated by a decision to cut the number of turbines from 42 to 36 to limit harm to the environment.
Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, said: "Whilst this is not perfect, when compared with previous proposals for large-scale wind power schemes in north Lewis, the Stornoway wind farm, as now approved, is a welcome improvement and we acknowledge the efforts made by Lewis Wind Power in this regard.
"We will continue to work with the developer to ensure the construction and operational impacts on wildlife are minimised."
The wind farm proposals were first put forward in 2004, with a second, amended, plan being lodged in 2010.
Following approval, an interconnector power cable is now due to link Stornoway to the mainland to allow power transmission – a move which is likely to secure further renewable projects on the island.
The project is being driven by Lewis Wind Power, a joint venture between Amec and EDF energy, in partnership with the Stornoway Trust.
Developers have claimed £48m of materials and labour could be sourced within the Western Isles during the construction phase, with the BiFab yard at Arnish expected to construct the project's towers.
The construction phase will also support 196 jobs in the Western Isles and a further 181 in the rest of Scotland.
The Stornoway Trust has an option to take a 20% share of the wind farm.
Western Isles MP Alasdair Allan said: "The news holds out the prospect of a 130 megawatt wind farm, a development which would certainly justify an interconnector from the Western Isles to the mainland, benefiting not only this but other renewables projects in the islands.
"I want to see this project bring the maximum possible benefit to the islands.
"I believe this is a chance for the substantial benefits payments to the community to be used to tackle fuel poverty in the Western Isles. The contribution made by this scheme will provide an opportunity to use the power of the wind to tackle the high fuel bills experienced by islanders."
Western Isles Council leader Angus Campbell said the decision was excellent news for the Outer Hebrides and Scotland.
Energy minister Fergus Ewing said: "Once it is up and running, the wind farm will save thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide each year and will produce enough electricity to power more than 60,000 homes.
"I am confident the wind farm will provide great benefits to its local community and play an important part in helping Scotland reach its target of the equivalent of 100% of electricity demand generated from renewables.
"I am particularly pleased the developer was able to work with SNH and RSPB to develop proposals which allowed this wind farm to go ahead whilst minimising affects on Lewis's important natural heritage. In consenting, I have put in place a series of conditions to protect the outstanding natural habitats and landscapes and local communities."
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