Major Lewis wave energy scheme in doubt

The project aims to harness the wave power off the coast of Lewis

Plans for one of the world's largest wave energy schemes are in doubt, due to financial problems at one of the firms involved.

The Siadar project, off the west coast of Lewis, was a joint venture between RWE Npower Renewables and Inverness-based Wavegen.

But RWE had confirmed it was no longer proceeding with the development.

It was hoped the scheme would generate 4MW of electricity by next year - enough to power 2,500 local homes.

Last year, ministers announced a £6m allocation of funding to the 10-turbine project, under the Waters fund, supported by the government, Scottish and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.