Ground investigation works have started at the Stornoway wind farm on Lewis, marking a major milestone for the project.
Lewis Wind Power, a 50:50 joint venture between ESB and EDF power solutions UK, said consent is in place for 33 turbines on land owned by the Stornoway Trust.
The works involve drilling and trial pitting to assess ground conditions and analyse rock from borrow pit locations so material on site can be reused during construction, it added.
Construction is expected to start in late 2027, with Natural Power Consultants and RPS Consulting Services carrying out the investigations supported by local contractors D Mackay and Son and Calmax Construction.
Alister Maciver, construction project manager at Lewis Wind Power said: “This is an important step forward for the Stornoway wind farm project, and we are pleased to be progressing into this next phase of pre-development work.”
He added: “These investigations will help ensure that the project is delivered responsibly and efficiently, using local materials and resources where possible.”
Lewis Wind Power is also inviting applications to its annual sponsorship fund, which provides £12,500 a year for local projects and has extended the deadline to 27 February 2026.
Mr Maciver stated: “We are pleased to continue supporting local projects through the Lewis Wind Power Sponsorship Fund.”
Picture: left to right: Ruth Shewan, Senior External Affairs Manager for Lewis Wind Power; Norman Maciver, Chair of Stornoway Trust, Alister Maciver, Construction Project Manager for Lewis Wind Power; Factor of Stornoway Trust Iain Maciver, Amber Wright and Gary McTurk of Natural Power and Rory Saunders of RPS.