Lewis Hub energy project secures planning consent

The Lewis Hub forms part of wider plans to connect island renewable projects with mainland Scotland

Councillors have granted planning permission in principle for a major energy project on Lewis in the Western Isles.

The Lewis Hub forms part of SSEN Transmission's proposals to connect the islands to Great Britain's transmission network for the first time.

The hub along with a sub-sea cable would deliver power generated by wind farms to the mainland.

A full meeting of islands authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar granted the planning consent.

A further planning application will be have to be submitted to agree the details of the development before construction work could start on the hub.

SSEN Transmission said the comhairle's decision followed more than two years of development and "extensive community" engagement.

The company said feedback from islanders had played a "major role" in shaping the plans for the hub, including a decision not to proceed with its original preferred site at Creed North.

The current site is at Arnish Moor near Stornoway.

A sub-sea connection was first proposed about 20 years ago.

Earlier this month SSEN Transmission said it was investing in the construction of 100 new homes in Stornoway for workers on the Lewis Hub project.