The request for a formal 'Scoping Opinion' from the Scottish Government's Marine Directorate, the offshore planning authority – is a key element in the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed MachairWind offshore windfarm.
The process will establish the environmental factors to be assessed and the approach to be taken throughout the EIA process, which will form a critical part of the MachairWind planning application, expected to be submitted in early 2026.
MachairWind could generate up to 2 GW of clean, green electricity – enough to power the equivalent of up to two million homes – and deliver significant investment, jobs and opportunities across the west coast of Scotland and beyond.
The scoping report covers the windfarm development area only – the area of seabed north-west of Islay and west of Colonsay that will host up to 147 wind turbines and foundations as well as the cables connecting the turbines.
The area has been significantly reduced in size by ScottishPower Renewables – from 754 square kilometers to 510 square kilometers – as part of its early design considerations and could be further refined as project plans develop.
The report sets out existing environmental information based on publicly available data, site-specific surveys and studies, and stakeholder feedback from the likes of Argyll & Bute Council, NatureScot, Historic Environment Scotland, RSPB Scotland, and organizations representing commercial fisheries.
It then sets out technical topics that would be assessed as part of the EIA – including seascape, landscape and visual impact; offshore ornithology; marine mammals; commercial fisheries, socio-economics; and shipping and navigation.
The Marine Directorate is expected to provide its formal Scoping Opinion in the new year, following detailed consultation and engagement with key stakeholders.
“The submission of our scoping report is an important milestone and a key step in the consenting journey for MachairWind” said Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables' MachairWind Development Lead. “We're committed to ensuring our project is shaped by local people, communities and stakeholders and minimizes any potential impacts while maximizing benefits and opportunities across the Argyll and Bute region and the west of Scotland. “We look forward to receiving feedback in due course and shaping our EIA and development proposals to ensure MachairWind does just that.”
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