How communities could benefit from offshore wind
The West Side Estate Group welcomes the community benefit commitment of £4.5m per annum by the proposed Spiorad na Mara offshore wind project.
It marks an important milestone in discussions which have been taking place between the parties over recent years and demonstrates a clear commitment by the developer to residents in the areas located closest to the project, should the project proceed.
West Side Estate Group stresses it has not taken any view on supporting the project but has had a clear objective to secure a commitment of this type from the developer as early as possible in the project timeline.
Kenny Maclennan, Chair of Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh, a West Side Estate Group partner, stated “As well as the community benefit fund, West Side Estate Group has been pressing the developer for more extensive and regular consultation with other organisations and communities prior to the consenting process starting.”
West Side Estate Group is also committed to ensuring that extensive consultation is undertaken for the proposed community benefit fund with opportunities given to organisations, businesses and residents across the west coast of Lewis to make their views heard. We welcome Spiorad na Mara’s similar commitment to consult.
As an association of landowners closest to the proposed project, West Side Estate Group foresaw the need for pro-active engagement with this developer. This collective approach has presented a strong, united front to have challenging discussions with the developer when necessary and deliver maximum returns for the communities affected by Spiorad na Mara if the project proceeds. The Group members’ familiarity with commercial negotiations and all aspects of everyday estate management, as well as experience of renewable energy development, has proved to be a powerful combination in the lengthy discussions with Northland Power and ESB.
*West Side Estate Group comprises Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate), Urras Oighreachd Bharabhais (Barvas Estate), Lewis Island Crofters (Dalmore Estate) and Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh (Carloway Estate).
