MachairWind will build on SPR’s long-standing presence and positive track record as a responsible onshore wind developer and good neighbour across Argyll and Bute - investing in and working with local communities and businesses, to realise the benefits of renewable energy.  

Islander takes up new community role for MachairWind offshore windfarm

In March 2023, SPR appointed Deborah (Debs) Bryce Boyle, a local Development Trust director and former island community councillor based on the Isle of Jura as the Community Engagement Manager for MachairWind.  

An advocate for clean, green energy with extensive experience in community engagement and development, Debs will be the first point of contact in the project team for people living on Islay, Colonsay and Jura.

She will play a key role in keeping people informed and engaged about MachairWind and supporting the project through the planning and development processes.

Her role will also focus on how local communities can benefit from the windfarm by maximising the local socio-economic benefits from the project.

Read the full press release.

As we progress our plans for MachairWind, we will keep stakeholders, local people, businesses, and communities informed and highlight where there are opportunities to get involved.

O&M Base 

If we decide to locate the project O&M base on one of the local islands - this would lead to the creation high-quality, long-term local jobs over the life of the windfarm (25 years). There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the location of an O&M base, this includes accessibility, port capabilities and ease of employability in the area. We are open to any input on  this, please contact us if you have any suggestions regarding the location of the proposed O&M base.  

Skills & Education 

We are currently developing a skills strategy for MachairWind and see skills as an important way to add value to the local area.  SPR has delivered great education programmes across Argyll & Bute over the years through our onshore wind projects and are keen to continue making a valuable contribution in this way through the development of the MachairWind project.  An example of a successful skills strategy on another one of our offshore windfarms is our East Anglia One Project. Find out more information about East Anglia One. 

Events & Visits 

On the 6th of July, in conjunction with the DeepWind Offshore Wind Cluster, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Argyll & Bute Council, we hosted a packed supply chain event at the Scottish Association for Marine Science in Oban. This event was an opportunity to allow local businesses to hear about our first offshore windfarm in the area and learn more about the potential opportunities that the supply chain could tender for in the future.  

It was great to meet local suppliers and hear about what services exist in the area. The day was a brilliant success with local suppliers and stakeholders being able to find out more information about the MachairWind project.   

In August, the MachairWind team hosted a public drop-in event at Colonsay Village Hall in Scalasaig  and attended the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Show. Both events were a great opportunity to meet local people and discuss project developments. You can read the full press release on the Machairwind News Page. We hope to attend the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Show again in 2024. 

We will be visiting Islay in October, as part of our skills outreach. In conjunction with Fugro, we will be hosting a STEM event for children  aged 5 –12. They will have the opportunity to build model wind turbines, encouraging their curiosity about renewable energy and STEM subjects.