The bi-annual Major Development Forum meeting was recently held in Stornoway to review progress on key renewable energy developments and associated community, infrastructure and workforce initiatives across the Outer Hebrides.
The forum brings together public sector partners, developers and wider stakeholders to discuss project progress, prepare for challenges and identify opportunities and collaborative actions to maximise local benefit from the significant scale of activity forecast for the islands.
Members discussed major projects and delivery timescales, alongside reports and actions from the Forum's Infrastructure, Community Wellbeing, Skills and Supply Chain sub-groups. There was a specific focus on how to align planning with major local events such as the National Mod 2027, community safety, and emerging information on local employment opportunities and timelines.
There was also a discussion on the need to keep the community informed and provide a holistic picture of what is taking place and when. It was agreed that regular updates on specific initiatives, activities and timelines will be shared on a regular basis into the future.
Joanna Peteranna, Director of Area Operations, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “The scale of renewable energy and infrastructure activity anticipated across the Outer Hebrides presents a significant opportunity for our island economy. HIE is committed to working closely with partners through the Major Development Forum to champion the local supply chain, identify emerging opportunities, and support local businesses to participate in these developments.
“We also want to ensure that the investment generated by these projects delivers lasting economic and social benefits for businesses, communities and future generations across the islands.”
Anne Murray, Chief Officer for Community & Economic Regeneration, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: "The Major Development Forum continues to play an important role in bringing together developers and public sector partners to ensure that the significant investment forecast for our islands is coordinated and that challenges are addressed collaboratively.
“This dialogue is essential if we are to realise the full potential of this investment programme and also seek to mitigate impacts that may arise from increased levels of activity over the coming period."
Logan Black is Project Director for Lewis Wind Power, developers of the Stornoway Wind Farm project. He said: "The Major Development Forum provides a valuable opportunity for us to work with other developers, public sector agencies and community partners on the issues that matter most to the successful delivery of projects in the Outer Hebrides.
“These discussions are particularly important as projects move forward from planning into delivery. Developers are committed to working with local partners to manage and mitigate potential impacts, create lasting economic value and ensure that island businesses and residents benefit from the opportunities ahead."
The Major Development Forum will continue to meet at least every six months, along with quarterly meetings of all sub-groups, as renewable energy and related infrastructure projects progress across the Isle of Lewis.
