The team behind the proposed MachairWind offshore windfarm have thanked people across Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Ross of Mull and Iona for participating in the first round of statutory consultation for the clean energy project.

The consultation – which included online webinars, a virtual consultation room and six community drop-in events held across five islands – was designed to give as many people as possible the chance to get involved and have their say. It closed on Sunday 6 July.

Feedback from all those who took part will now be reviewed and considered before a further round of consultation later in the year.

Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind Development Lead, said: “A massive thank you to everyone who took the time to come along to our events, get in touch online or visit our virtual consultation room – we really appreciate your efforts and input at this early stage of the project.

“With several months to go before we submit our consent application for the windfarm development area to the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate – currently planned for the first half of next year – this feedback is vital as we refine the details and designs for the proposed windfarm.

“Our ambition is to produce clean, green energy and deliver long and lasting economic and social benefits across the west coast of Scotland and beyond. On that basis, we also welcomed the wider discussions during the consultation around these issues, which are at the very early stages and will continue as we take the project forward.

“In the meantime, we’ll be back on the islands next month for the Mull Bunessan Show and the Islay, Jura and Colonsay Agricultural Show – see you there!”

MachairWind could generate around 2GW of clean, green electricity – enough to power the equivalent of up to two million homes – and deliver significant investment, jobs and opportunities across the west coast of Scotland and beyond.

The statutory consultation focused on the windfarm development area only – the area of seabed north-west of Islay and west of Colonsay that will host up to 147 wind turbines and foundations as well as the cables connecting the turbines. The area has been significantly reduced in size – from 754km² to 510 km²– as part of early design considerations and could be refined further as project plans develop.

Separate consultation will take place at a later date to consider the related electricity transmission infrastructure, which will connect to the grid in the south-west of mainland Scotland.