Jobs boost claim
A new independent economic report has said the proposed ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind offshore wind farm project could bring jobs and an economic boost to the area.
The BiGGAR Economics study investigated the potential benefits and opportunities for communities and supply chain businesses located around any chosen construction facility and dedicated operations and maintenance base for the MachairWind offshore wind farm. No decision has been taken as yet on where these facilities will be hosted.
The BiGGAR Economics study looked at eight locations – based on geographical proximity to MachairWind – that could be considered for the project, subject to further studies including technical feasibility:
▍ Islay, Oban – operations and maintenance base
▍ Campbeltown and Machrihanish, Clyde coast (including Hunterston) – operations and maintenance base, and construction port.
▍ Arnish, Belfast, Kishorn, Nigg – construction port.
As well as assessing opportunities created by the project, it also considered any potential impacts of using the different ports for the construction period to build the wind farm and/ or the lifespan of its operations.
BiGGAR Economics’ report concludes that MachairWind could create transformational opportunities to address skills gaps, support sustainability efforts, enhance community wellbeing and stimulate growth in economically-disadvantaged areas – all while acknowledging existing constraints in infrastructure, housing, labour availability, public services and island habitability.
Graeme Blackett, managing director of BiGGAR Economics, said: “MachairWind is an important offshore wind development and while there are lots of moving parts to be considered and varying estimated impacts in each possible location, what is crystal clear is the great potential for ScottishPower Renewables to create wide-ranging benefits for communities, both economic and social. Our thanks to everyone who provided valuable input to our study.”
ScottishPower Renewables’ Kiera Wilson said: “While no preferred port locations have been selected for
MachairWind’s construction and operations at this very early stage – and there’s a lot more work to be done around this – the BiGGAR Economics study provides valuable insight and analysis that will inform our next steps and help ensure we ultimately make the right decision, not just for the project, but for local people and places too.
“The study shows how important it is to consider all possible scenarios and impacts, and how vital communication and collaboration with communities will continue to be as we work to bring MachairWind to life.”
The BiGGAR Economics report, MachairWind Development Economic and Social Scenarios: Opportunities and Impacts is available at: https://bit. ly/3QnbtKb.
Extra police resources are unlikely to come to Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands during the summer season, one of the area’s officers has admitted.
The issue of police manpower was raised by Kintyre and the Islands independent councillor Alastair Redman during a meeting of community chiefs.
But Sergeant Matthew Shaw conceded that officers who were previously seconded to the area during the tourist season will instead be based in another part of Argyll and Bute.
The discussion took place during a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands community planning group on Wednesday, May 1.
Councillor Redman asked: “In my ward, and across the board, I would say there seems to be a frontline manpower issue. What is being done to address that?
“In many areas of the Kintyre and the Islands ward, the number of people increases dramatically in the summer. But we do not seem to have the manpower on the ground, and I do not think it is enough for any problems that may arise.”
Sergeant Shaw responded: “I agree regarding this area, its infrastructure and the fact that during the summer months, trade does increase. We have used summer secondment to meet this flux for the likes of Islay in previous years, and at one point had two extra staff.
“We did bid for these secondments again, but did not get them. They were put into the Oban area because of increased demand. I am a firm believer in having logistics in place, rather than being reactionary. Islay is along the lines of a nice holiday location.
“What I can say is that I put representations in beforehand saying that I did not think we were making the right decision, but they went in the opposite direction. I can see if there is still scope to look at summer secondments.”
Councillor Redman said: “When it comes to law and order and defence, I argue that it is like a game of Jenga, pulling away one block to see if it still stands without collapsing.
“We need to put law and order first, dealing with the problems in winter and summer.”