The MachairWind team – including Debs Bryce from Jura, who is the Community Engagement Manager for the project – are visiting the islands between 7-9^th May to give local people the chance to chat about progress to date and hear the plans for the year ahead.

Four drop-ins will be hosted over the three days:

• Jura – 3pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday 7 May, Jura Care Centre, Craighouse
• Colonsay – 2.30pm to 6.30pm on Wednesday 8 May, Colonsay Village Hall, Scalasaig
• Islay –   1.30pm to 4.30pm on Thursday 9 May, Islay Gaelic Centre, Bowmore
• Islay – 6pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 9 May, Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen

Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind Development Lead, said: “These events are a fantastic opportunity for people to come along – at a time and place that suits them – to meet the team on their doorstep, find out what’s been happening since our last visits and to hear more about what’s coming up. We’re also really excited to be hosting two events on Islay this time round, based on feedback from those previous visits, to give as many people as possible the chance to get involved.

“So, whether you’re a local business owner or a resident who wants to know what’s happening and when, please come along and have a chat. This is your chance to find out about how you can be part of a cleaner and greener future across Islay, Colonsay and Jura.”

MachairWind will be developed in the waters north-west of Islay and west of Colonsay. With a proposed generating capacity of up to 2GW, it could produce enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of up to two million homes across the UK. It will be ScottishPower Renewables’ first offshore windfarm in Argyll and Bute.

The BiGGAR Economics study investigated the potential benefits and opportunities for communities and supply chain businesses located around any chosen construction facility and dedicated operations and maintenance base for the MachairWind offshore windfarm.

No decision has been taken as yet on where these facilities will be hosted.

MachairWind will be developed in the waters north-west of Islay and west of Colonsay. With a proposed generating capacity of up to 2GW, it could produce enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of up to two million homes across the UK.

The BiGGAR Economics study looked at eight locations – based on geographical proximity to MachairWind – that could be considered for the project, subject to further studies including technical feasibility.

•            Islay, Oban – operations and maintenance base

•            Campbeltown and Machrihanish, Clyde Coast (including Hunterston) – operations and maintenance base, and construction port

•            Arnish, Belfast, Kishorn, Nigg – construction port

As well as assessing opportunities created by the project, it also considered any potential impacts of using the different ports for the construction period to build the windfarm and/or the lifespan of its operations.

BiGGAR Economics’ report concludes that MachairWind could create transformational opportunities to address skills gaps, support sustainability efforts, enhance community wellbeing and stimulate growth in economically-disadvantaged areas – all while acknowledging existing constraints in infrastructure, housing, labour availability, public services and island habitability.

This includes potential for diversifying the economic base and reducing reliance on individual sectors/employers; providing training and skills development; assessing local infrastructure; attracting and retaining working people and families in rural communities; fostering a strong local supply chain; and enhancing energy infrastructure to support the journey towards net zero.

Graeme Blackett, Managing Director of BiGGAR Economics said: “MachairWind is an important offshore wind development and while there are lots of moving parts to be considered and varying estimated impacts in each possible location, what is crystal clear is the great potential for ScottishPower Renewables to create wide-ranging benefits for communities, both economic and social. Our thanks to everyone who provided valuable input to our study.” 

Responding to the report, ScottishPower Renewables’ Kiera Wilson, MachairWind Development Lead, said: “While no preferred port locations have been selected for MachairWind’s construction and operations at this very early stage – and there’s a lot more work to be done around this – the BiGGAR Economics study provides valuable insight and analysis that will inform our next steps and help ensure we ultimately make the right decision not just for the project, but for local people and places too.

“The study shows how important it is to consider all possible scenarios and impacts, and how vital communication and collaboration with communities will continue to be as we work to bring MachairWind to life.

“ScottishPower Renewables has a proven and positive track record of working with local people, communities and businesses across Argyll and Bute to maximise the benefits and opportunities from our windfarms. I’m confident MachairWind will live up to that and create a legacy for a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.”

The BiGGAR Economics report, ‘MachairWind Development Economic and Social Scenarios: Opportunities and Impacts’ is available here.