Scottish Isle Wind Farm Project May Be Facing Defeat

A gigantic project to generate power with an innovative Scottish isle wind farm is facing problems.

The plans to build what would have been one of Europe's biggest wind farms on the Isle of Lewis looks set to be turned down.

The BBC's Gaelic news service, Radio nan Gaidheal, has learned that Scottish Government ministers are "minded to refuse" the 181 turbine scheme.

More than 5,000 letters of objection to the proposals were received by the Scottish government.

It is believed environmental concerns are behind the decision with an official announcement from the Scottish Government expected in a further two or three weeks.

But, a Scottish Government spokesman has said: "No final decision has been taken and ministers are working towards finalising and announcing a decision in the near future."

Also, the project backers are not defeated yet as a spokesman for Lewis Wind Power said they 'welcomed the Scottish Government's commitment to make a swift decision on the application'.

He said: "We continue a dialogue with Scottish Government officials about our application."

But, campaigners had warned the wind farm would cause "irreversible damage" to one of the country's most important wetland sites.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has also opposed the project, disputing job figures put forward by developers Lewis Wind Power and raising concerns about the farm's impact on local wildlife.

Supporters of the turbines pointed to potential economic benefits, claiming more than 400 jobs would be created during construction.

(BMcC)