The Stòras Uibhist Trust made the scheme possible following £1 million of grant and loan funding from Social Investment Scotland, £2.4 million from the European Regional Development Fund and £8 million of finance from The Co-operative Bank.
The windfarm will generate more than £20m income for the local economy over the next twenty years. The revenue will be used to help tackle many of the Island’s economic and social challenges, with funds earmarked to improve tourism facilities, promote economic activity, improve recreational facilities and to make improvements to the islands’ port facilities for fishermen and leisure sailors.
Angus MacMillan, chairman of Stòras Uibhist said, “This project has always been about generating income to re-invest into the local community for the benefit of the people who live on the islands of Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist.
“We are now looking to the future when Storas Uibhist, in partnership with other local organisations, can make best use of this revenue and the people of this Estate can take their future into their own hands and transform these islands into a vibrant and growing place to live and work.”
Chris Matthews, Renewable Energy Manager at The Co-operative Bank, said: “This scheme pushes the boundaries of community renewable energy.
“The quality of life for many residents on the Islands will be improved as a result, helping to create local jobs and diversify its economy at a time when like many communities it is facing significant economic and social pressures.”
Five years ago residents on the islands of Benbecula, Eriskay and South Uist took control of the South Uist Estate, in the largest community buyout in Scotland, and began working towards the economic and social regeneration of the islands.
HIE and BIG Lottery have provided grant support to the company during the development of this project and Community Energy Scotland has provided both grant and technical support.
Work to erect three Enercon E-70 2.3MW turbines will now begin and will be completed during August 2012.