Talks on subsea cable electricity transmission subsidy

Agreement is being sought on the level of subsidy that would be paid to transmit electricity generated on the Western Isles to the mainland.

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission said an affordable cost must be agreed before it builds the subsea cable required to carry the electricity.

The firm said talks on subsidies were ongoing with the UK and Scottish governments and regulator Ofgem.

Isles councillors have been critical of the time it is taking to get a cable.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) said developers could not proceed with renewable energy projects while doubts remain over the timescale for the interconnector.

SHE Transmission, a division of power company SSE, has estimated that it could cost the company £700m to construct the cable.