Opportunities on offer to island businesses from offshore windfarm development are to be explored next week, in an online seminar hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The webinar will be the first chance to explore the potential for the islands’ economy of a wave of new development unleashed by yesterday’s (Monday 17 January) announcement of seabed leases granted by Crown Estate Scotland.

That announcement saw two companies sharing developments on three sites close to the Isle of Lewis, with a combined potential output of 25GW of power.

Two ScotWind offshore wind leases have gone to Canadian company Northland Power, who have been awarded option agreements for areas north-east of the Butt of Lewis and west of Lewis.

Norwegian company Magnora Offshore, who name Stornoway Port Authority among their partners, have been awarded an option agreement for an area north-west of the Butt of Lewis.

The webinar planned for Thursday 27 January will allow businesses to find out more about the opportunities available from the projects.

Paul O' Brien, senior development manager (energy and inward investment) at HIE, said: "We would encourage any business or potential supply partner in the islands to attend the webinar next week for a chance to find out more about the huge opportunities following this announcement.

"It’s great news for the highlands and islands, has the added potential for Scotland to become an exporter of offshore wind technology beyond 2030 and is expected to lead to the creation of many new jobs."

The webinar will be available at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6273130971213766155 on Thursday 27 January from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.