Windfarm scaled down to save eagles 27/11/13
Western Isles Council has backed an extension to a giant windfarm on Lewis after it was scaled down to save eagles.
The developer agreed to get rid of half of the 12 extra turbines he initially wanted to build on the sides of a steep mountain valley in Eishken.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the RSPB warned the machines could kill eight sea eagles as well as four golden eagles.
After discussions with the Scottish Government, which will ultimately decide planning permission, and SNH, the developer conceded to axe six contentious turbines as well as a substation.
One of the remaining machines should be reduced by 20 metres in height to lessen the impact on the National Scenic Area in which the development lies.
The local authority is also urging the Scottish Government not to hold a public inquiry into the windfarm proposal.
If planning permission is eventually won, the development would be offered for sale to energy conglomerate International Power which already owns the rights to the £230 million main wind farm.
It would have 45 turbines on Eishken in addition to the rights to build another windfarm turbines on the next door Pairc estate.
The RSPB say around 26 breeding golden eagles are present around the windfarm site, one of the highest densities in Europe.
The Eishken estate is located on the Pairc peninsula of Lewis which has proved to be the most attractive area for the colonising white-tailed eagle population in the Western Isles.