Community leaders in the Outer Hebrides have taken a major step forward in their mission to bring renewable energy into local hands.
A joint venture between the Stornoway Trust, Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is aiming to secure up to 20% ownership of the Stornoway and Uisenis Wind Farms.
If delivered in full, the deal will bring around 80MW of wind generation under community control.
That would make it the largest community-owned wind farm in the United Kingdom.
It would also generate long-term transformational income for the islands.
The Joint Venture Board met on 27 March to discuss significant progress, including highly encouraging talks with potential lenders.
Public and commercial lenders are showing strong enthusiasm to get involved in what is being seen as a flagship community project.
Chair of the Stornoway Trust and the Joint Venture Working Group, Norman MacIver, said that community ownership had always been a key ambition.
He confirmed that the Trust had negotiated the 20% stake in the Stornoway Wind Farm during lease talks with Lewis Wind Power.
That negotiation set a benchmark which has now been mirrored by Eurowind in relation to the Uisenis site.
Mr MacIver stressed that while securing ownership agreements was a major achievement, the next crucial step is financial structuring.
He welcomed the positive response from lenders and stakeholders who are recognising the strength of the community’s vision.
The process is now moving into a more detailed and confidential phase of negotiations.
More information will be shared with the community as the venture progresses and financing plans develop further.
Mr MacIver emphasised that this level of community ownership could drive significant social and economic benefits across the islands for decades to come.
The Trust plans to consult islanders in the future on how revenues should be invested.
Chair of the Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust, Iain MacIver, echoed that optimism.
He said early market engagement showed strong investor appetite and provided a solid platform to build from.
Further engagement with funders is now planned as the project moves to the next stage.
Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Councillor Paul Steele, described the early discussions as encouraging.
He confirmed that work is now underway to formally constitute the Joint Venture as a legal entity.
Independent financial advisors will be brought in to shape the project’s financial model and legal structure.
Cllr Steele believes this venture could become a national example of how communities can take a stake in major renewable projects.
Political backing will be sought from both Westminster and Holyrood to support the island-led initiative.
