Western Isles Looks To Make UK Energy ContributionReacting to a presentation today on proposals for Europe's largest windfarm to be based on the Island of Lewis, off the north west coast of Scotland, the Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr. Alex MacDonald, said: “I was very impressed with the presentation and now look forward to the months ahead. This is a very exciting time for the Western Isles and I am happy to see our islands hitting the headlines on such an important national issue. Our Council launched the Energy Innovation Zone initiative in February 2001 and that exercise generated a lot of interest. The Council has a very positive stance on renewable energy and is looking to develop that approach further in the months and years ahead.” Vice-Convener Roddy Murray said: “I am happy to see such a high powered delegation headed by a senior UK Minister here to support this proposal and look forward to examining the details. The proposals have created an overwhelmingly positive response within our community. There is a lot of work to be done over the coming months but we do recognise that the proposals could lead to significant benefit for our own community and in the wider sense, at a UK and global level”. Chairman of Development Services, Cllr. Donald Maclean said: “The proposed project is obviously of national importance and if the Western Isles can make a contribution to national targets in tandem with being part of one of the most significant opportunities for sustainable rural development in Scottish islands then I think that sends out a very positive signal.” Chairman of the Comhairle’s Alternative Energy
Working Group, Cllr. Donald M Mackay, said: “This proposal is
a serious proposition and justifies the Council’s actions over
the last few months in promoting the Western Isles as a place to develop
renewable energy technologies. We appreciate that the project is still
at feasibility stage and look forward to seeing more details as the
appraisals progress”. Ends Issued by Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
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