Last week I wrote about the proposed 181-turbine Lewis Wind Farm and the approval that was being sought by Lewis Wind Power. The Scottish Government has refused the application to proceed on the grounds that the project did not comply with European law protecting sensitive environments.

Scottish ministers were concerned that the project would have a serious impact on the Lewis Peatlands Special Protection Area which is designated under the European Commission (EC) Birds Directive and protected under the EC Habitats Directive.

While the Scottish Energy Minister Jim Mather announced the refusal of the proposal he also reiterated that the Scottish government is still committed to developing onshore wind projects in the Western Isles.

So for the time being there will be no Lewis Wind Farm. It remains to be seen whether a new proposal can be put together.