No Western Isles interconnector before 2017, says SSE

Energy giant SSE says it will not now be able to commission work on a controversial subsea electricity cable before 2017.

The interconnector would transmit power generated by renewable projects on the Western Isles to customers on the mainland.

The project has been affected by delays and rising costs.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has said the cable project should be taken out of SSE's hands.

Previously it had been suggested the £705m cable could be laid in 2015 and then 2016.

SSE said it has already spent £5m developing options for the interconnector.