Monday, June 19, 2006

Winfarm Prospects In The Isles > BBC article

Six sites in Barra in the Western Isles are being considered for wind farms which would provide enough power for the island and neighbouring Vatersay.

The plans are being led by local development organisation, Barra and Vatersay Community Ltd.

One proposal is to erect three small turbines on common grazings to supply both islands' energy needs.

A feasibility study of the different sites will be discussed at a public meeting in Barra on 29 June.

Village halls

Possible locations for turbines include Ardmhrr, Beinn an Carnan, Borve machair, Grean, and Rubhas Liath.

Ben Scurribhal at Eoligarry has been suggested as the best site because it is the closest to a connection to the local power grid.

It is proposed to export any surplus electricity to South Uist.

If there is wide support from islanders, a community trust would be set up to operate the wind farm scheme on behalf of villagers on Barra and Vatersay.

Any profits would be ploughed back into the communities to fund projects such as piers and village halls.