Bays of Harris renewable energy study

Renewable energy schemes may be the key to sourcing a vital stream of finance to help regenerate the ailing economy of a rural island community.

The steering group exploring the community’s interest in buying the Bays of Harris Estate - which is the last largest privately owned land tract in the Western Isles - faces a stumbling block of securing a sustainable, long term income to underwrite estate running costs,

create jobs and kick-start development projects.

Most land buyouts get profits from wind energy schemes but the hilly terrain and cross winds in many parts of the estate poses problems in locating any sizable turbine.

Being in the middle of a National Scenic Area could make it harder to get renewable schemes off the ground.

Now the community has secured a vital Scottish Government £10,000 grant to examine ways of earning an income from turbines or hydro schemes which work in sympathy with the local landscape.

Bays of Harris hope turbines will put wind in their sails

28 November 2014

With fast flowing waters of the Sound of Harris and tidal movements in the numerous bays dotted around the land mass, the potential for marine energy will also be assessed.

The funding through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) will pay for a study by renewable energy consultant Ecodyn who were chosen following a rigorous selection process.

Along with a main feasibility evaluation assessing the potential for economic and social regeneration of the scattered land mass area, the energy investigation will be presented to villagers early next year before they vote whether to jump on the community ownership journey or leave things as they are.

John Maher, vice chair of the Bays of Harris steering group said: “The process of investigating the viability of a community buyout continues to be a very steep learning curve for all of us.

“Securing the CARES grant is welcome news and a significant step forward. It justifies the countless hours of time and effort put in by a group of unpaid volunteers, who all live in the Bays of Harris and care about the future of their community. We are very grateful to the people who helped and advised us through the application process.”

Kirsten MacDonald of Community Energy Scotland said: “It is great to see another community assessing the potential for renewables in their area. We are looking forward to seeing what comes out of this feasibility study and helping Bays of Harris to progress with any proposed projects.”

The 30,000 acre estate is made up of three distinct parcels of land: the rough, rocky terrain of the largest tract sweeps down the south east coast of Harris towards Leverburgh, the main settlement in the district.

Northon, on the west side of South Harris, is landlocked between two other estates.

Four miles of sea across the Sound of Harris - nine miles by ferry across the reef-infested channel - lies the island of Berneray, plus the Hermetray group of small uninhabited islets, off North Uist.

Early in 2015, residents will be invited to attend public meetings where the results of both studies will be presented and an opportunity given to discuss its contents.

The steering group is inviting anyone considering setting up a business venture in the area to “get in touch and take advantage of the wide range of expertise available while the feasibility study is taking place.”