A number of local projects and initiatives across the Western Isles are set to benefit from a share of a £12,500 funding pot, thanks to the Stornoway Wind Farm Sponsorship Fund.

The Stornoway Wind Farm Sponsorship Fund has been in place for the last 10 years, providing local groups, projects and initiatives the opportunity to apply for sponsorship grants on an annual basis. Having invited applications for the most recent round of funding at the start of the year, Lewis Wind Power, the developer behind Stornoway wind farm, is delighted to award 16 local organisations with grants ranging from £350 to £1,050 in 2026 – supporting their important work in the local community.

The Fund complements other local support provided by Lewis Wind Power (LWP), including long- standing sponsorship of HebCelt Festival and recent funding for two fully-funded, three-year apprenticeships with John Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver, which are supporting skills development and employment opportunities on the island.

Among the successful applicants of this year’s Fund are the Isle of Lewis Gymnastics Club Development, Cardiac Risk in the Young (Andrew McLeod Memorial Fund), and Stornoway United Football Club.

LWP, the developer of Stornoway Wind Farm on the Isle of Lewis, is a 50:50 joint venture between ESB and EDF power solutions UK and Ireland. With proposals for Stornoway Wind Farm having been in development since 2003, LWP is progressing towards pre-development works for the wind farm which, once delivered, will make a significant contribution towards Scotland’s net zero targets.

Ellie Acton, Project Manager from Lewis Wind Power said: “Having worked closely with the community in Stornoway since the inception of the project in 2003, we are pleased to support numerous worthy local causes through this fund. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this year’s sponsorship fund come to life through so many brilliant local initiatives. From wellbeing and learning to cultural initiatives, we are proud to support the diversity and innovation that make this island thrive, ensuring a lasting impact for generations to come.”

LWP has previously supported groups such as the Western Isles Highland Games Association and the Western Isles Volunteer Centre through the wind farm fund.

The Western Isles Volunteer Centre received a grant of £800 in 2025, which supported the Centre in the creation of its Volunteer for All project, to encourage more people on the Western Isles to volunteer and make a positive impact on the community.

Commenting on the value of the grant to the Centre, Bellann O’Brien, Intergenerational Community Connector and Development Worker, from Western Isles Volunteer Centre, said: “Funding from LWP has proved vital in supporting a series of intergenerational projects across the Isle of Lewis, helping to strengthen community connections by bringing older residents together with local schoolchildren to share traditional skills, stories and cultural knowledge.

“Delivered in Tong and Uig, each project was tailored to reflect the unique heritage of its community. At Tong Primary School, older volunteers led highly successful knitting and sewing workshops. In Uig, the focus was on Gaelic baking, where local women taught pupils classic recipes in a Gaelic-medium setting, reinforcing the use of the language. These sessions also provide valuable opportunities for children to engage in conversations about past ways of life, making cultural exchange as important as the practical skills learned.”

Stornoway Wind Farm is a consented 33-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 200MW, located to the west of Stornoway. The project would generate enough low-carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*.

Since 2003, Lewis Wind Power has worked closely with Stornoway Trust and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the project. This includes a £50k donation for the last two years to a separate sponsorship fund through Stornoway Trust for local groups.

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*Load factors based on the five year rolling averages on unchanged configuration basis using Table 6.5 of ‘Digest of UK Energy Statistics’ – latest figures as per July 2022 release

A full list of awards is detailed below:

Ground investigation works at the Stornoway wind farm site have started this month, marking an important milestone as the project moves into its next phase.

© John Maher Photography

Lewis Wind Power, the developer behind the Stornoway wind farm, is a 50:50 joint venture between ESB and EDF power solutions UK. The company has been working with partners and stakeholders to progress wind development on Lewis since 2003, and consent is in place for 33 wind turbines on land owned by the Stornoway Trust.

The site investigation works will involve limited drilling and trial pitting at specific locations across the site to better understand the ground conditions and analyse rock from the borrow pit locations to allow the stone that is already on the site to be re-purposed during wind farm construction. These investigative works will be integral to the approach taken during the construction phase, which is currently anticipated to commence in 2027.

Site activity started in January, with the works being undertaken by Natural Power Consultants Limited and RPS Consulting Services Limited. Two local contractors – D Mackay and Son and Calmax Construction Limited are assisting with the site investigation works. The work will continue through to April. A supply chain engagement event will take place later this year to open up discussions about local businesses tendering for work on the development.

Alister Maciver, Construction Project Manager at Lewis Wind Power, said: “This is an important step forward for the Stornoway wind farm project, and we are pleased to be progressing into this next phase of pre-development work. These investigations will help ensure that the project is delivered responsibly and efficiently, using local materials and resources where possible.

We have worked alongside the community on Lewis for many years, and we remain committed to continuing that constructive dialogue as the project moves ahead. We are focused on delivering this project in a way that brings long-term benefits to the island and its people.”

Alongside progress on the wind farm, Lewis Wind Power is inviting applications for its annual Sponsorship Fund, which provides £12,500 each year to support local projects and groups. 17 local initiatives across Stornoway received funding in 2025. The application window has now been extended, with groups invited to apply to the fund by Friday 27 February 2026. Full details are available at www.lwp.scot/about/community-involvement/.

The Sponsorship Fund complements other local support provided by Lewis Wind Power, including long-standing sponsorship of HebCelt Festival and recent funding for two fully funded, three-year apprenticeships with John Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver, which are supporting skills development and employment opportunities on the island.

Mr Maciver added: “We are pleased to continue supporting local projects through the Lewis Wind Power Sponsorship Fund. With the deadline having been extended, now is a great opportunity for local groups to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Local groups are invited to apply by February 27th, 2026. Applications to the 2026 Lewis Wind Power sponsorship fund can be made via lwp.scot.

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Lewis Wind Power (LWP), the developer behind Stornoway Wind Farm, is encouraging local projects and initiatives to apply for its annual sponsorship fund – worth over £12,500 – which opens today (16 December).

Over the last 12 months, a total of 16 local projects and initiatives across Stornoway benefited from LWP’s sponsorship fund, which has run annually for more than 10 years. This is in addition to headline sponsorship of the Islands Stage at the iconic HebCelt Festival for the tenth year.

Local projects and initiatives to have received funds included the Eilean Siar Foodbank, Stornoway Running Club (SRAC), and the Western Isles Community Society.

Stornoway Primary School was also a recipient of a £1,000 grant towards its successful plant, grow and eat project, which encourages children to learn more about where their food comes from, as well as the promotion of the Gaelic language.

Stornoway wind farm is a consented 33-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 200MW, located to the west of Stornoway. The wind farm is being developed LWP, a partnership between EDF Power Solutions UK and ESB. Once operational, the project will generate enough low-carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*.

Since 2003, LWP has been a committed partner in the Outer Hebrides, working closely with Stornoway Trust and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to deliver a project that supports the island’s sustainable energy future.

The local wind farm developer has also this year launched an apprenticeship scheme whereby two local companies have been hosting two local people to complete an apprenticeship. The ambition of the scheme is to see the apprentices working on the construction of Stornoway wind farm in the coming years.

Ellie Acton, Project Manager of Stornoway Wind Farm, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of the Lewis Wind Power sponsorship fund for the 2025/2026 period. It has been a true pleasure to witness the positive impact the fund continues to have across the local community, opening up new opportunities and helping those in need.”

The Western Isles Games Association (WIIGA) was one of the recipients of a grant from last year’s fund, which supported 104 athletes from the Western Isles to travel to Orkney to compete in their 10th International Island Games.

Mike Stone, who works on the support team at WIIGA commented: “We are extremely grateful to have been awarded grant monies from the Lewis Wind Power Sponsorship Fund, which ultimately goes towards keeping the cost to our participants as low as possible and minimising cost as a burden to representing their islands. Lewis Wind Power has been very supportive of local groups, and we look forward to building on our relationship and working to promote our mutual interests in future years.”

Local groups are invited to apply by February 27th, 2026. Applications to the 2026 Lewis Wind Power sponsorship fund can be made via lwp.scot.

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Two young people from Stornoway have been given the chance to get their foot on the career ladder with local companies, thanks to funding from wind farm developer Lewis Wind Power.

John Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver, which specialise in the supply of machinery and aggregate for construction and industry, have both welcomed a fully-funded apprentice for a three-year term. The funds from Lewis Wind Power aim to retain young talent on the island in support of Lewis’s burgeoning green energy industry.

Lewis Wind Power, a 50:50 joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB, is the developer behind the Stornoway wind farm project which has consent in place for 33 turbines on land to the west of Stornoway, owned by The Stornoway Trust.

Following a recruitment process, the successful candidates started their apprenticeships in May and will be working with the respective companies to gain hands-on experience while studying at college.

Katie Morrison, aged 19, from Stornoway, is set to complete an apprenticeship in plant operations with specialist aggregate suppliers I A & C Maciver. Katie said: “It has been so exciting to take up my post as an apprentice plant operator. My hands-on experience with machinery in crofting has sparked my passion for industry, and I’m grateful for the chance to grow my skills locally through my apprenticeship with I A & C Maciver – a key player in our island economy.”

Ian Maciver, Director from I A & C Maciver, said: “Renewable energy offers a bright future for the Lewis economy, building on the skills and expertise already present in local companies. We are excited to support Katie as she embarks on this promising new career in machinery operations, thanks to this valued support from Lewis Wind Power.”

Joining the crane and plant hire business John Maciver & Sons as an apprentice crane operator is Rhys Parry, aged 22, who is training in crane operations, banksman skills and lift supervision. Rhys said: “I am incredibly grateful to all at John Maciver & Sons, as well as Lewis Wind Power, for providing this opportunity. I am already learning new skills, gaining operators’ tickets and building a career in a way which would never have been possible without this valuable support.”

Lewis Wind Power’s support for the new apprentices signals its ongoing commitment to long-term investment in skills and infrastructure in the local area, as the Stornoway wind farm project progresses towards pre-development works in the coming months.

Logan Black, Project Manager, at Lewis Wind Power said: “We are delighted to support Katie and Rhys as they start their careers in mechanics and operations with John Maciver & Sons and I A & C Maciver – both leading providers of logistical services which are key to the development of Lewis’s green energy industry.

“Through this initiative, we are proud to nurture the young talent which is so essential to the delivery of projects such as Stornoway wind farm, and invest in long-term, high quality employment opportunities on these islands.”

Since commencing work on island renewable energy with the Stornoway Trust and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in 2003, Lewis Wind Power has invested significantly in the development of the Stornoway wind farm project – including an annual sponsorship fund, which recently distributed £12,500 among 16 community projects and initiatives around Stornoway.

Once operational, the wind farm will have a capacity of up to 200MW, generating enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*.

A number of local projects and initiatives on the Western Isles, from school groups to a foodbank and children’s summer club, will benefit from over £12,500 of funding over the coming months thanks to donations from Lewis Wind Power (LWP).

Lewis Wind Power is a partnership between EDF Renewables UK and ESB and is the developer of Stornoway wind farm. LWP opened its 2025 sponsorship fund for applications at the end of last year, with 17 organisations now set to benefit from a share of the funding. This is in addition to confirmation of sponsorship of the Islands Stage at the HebCelt Festival for the tenth year.

This includes part-funding for a number of initiatives, including Eilean Siar Foodbank, funding tutors for Sharon Macdonald School of Highland Dance, refurbishment of the West Side War Memorial, and sponsoring Lewis Pipe Band for the 2025 Pipe Band World Championships.

Lewis Wind Power has supported the local community with this fund for a number of years and has previously supported groups such as Lewis Camanachd and Lochs Show, Hebrides Mountain Rescue and Stornoway Science Fair.

Logan Black, Project Manager for Stornoway wind farm said: “We are thrilled to see so many local organisations and initiatives benefiting from our 2025 sponsorship fund. From providing crucial resources to supporting local cultural and educational projects, we hope this funding will make a meaningful impact across the community. We’re proud to continue our support for different kinds of community groups, ensuring people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests benefit from these donations.”

Stornoway wind farm is a consented 33-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 200MW, located to the west of Stornoway. The project would generate enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*.

Since 2003, Lewis Wind Power has worked closely with Stornoway Trust and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the project.

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*Load factors based on the five year rolling averages on unchanged configuration basis using Table 6.5 of ‘Digest of UK Energy Statistics’ – latest figures as per July 2022 release

A full list of awards is detailed below:

Stornoway wind farm developer signs three-year sponsorship commitment with HebCelt Festival
Community groups in the Western Isles are being invited to apply for a share of the Lewis Wind Power sponsorship fund, which opens for applications today (Thursday 19 December).
In addition to the £12,500 fund, aimed to cater for small-scale grants for local projects and initiatives, Lewis Wind Power (LWP) has signed a three-year commitment with HebCelt Festival for sponsorship of the LWP Islands Stage. This will be the tenth year that LWP has sponsored the Festival, which takes place from 16 to 19 July 2025.

LWP is a partnership between EDF Renewables UK and ESB to develop the consented 33-turbine Stornoway wind farm, with a capacity of up to 200MW. Once operational the wind farm would generate enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*.

The annual sponsorship fund has been running for a number years and in 2024 over 15 local groups received money, including the Volunteer Centre Western Isles; Marybank and Maryhill Community Association; and Stornoway Historical Society.

Since 2003, LWP has worked closely with Stornoway Trust and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Once the wind farm is operational a community benefit fund of around £1million will supersede the sponsorship fund.

Logan Black of Lewis Wind Power commented: “We are pleased to be able to offer local community groups and initiatives the chance to share of the 2025 Sponsorship Fund. It has been great to see some of the projects that have benefitted in recent years and the positive impact it is making locally in the Western Isles.

“We have seen first hand the positive impact the HebCelt Festival has year after year on the local economy and local businesses and are delighted to have signed a three-year commitment to continue our support for the Festival.”

Iain MacPhail, Chair of the HebCelt Board, commented: “We have worked with LWP for over 10 years now, and are hugely grateful for their continued support of the Festival, particularly as we progress towards our 30th anniversary in 2027.

“This year’s Festival drew in over 17,800 attendees and contributed £4 million to the local economy, further cementing its place as a must-attend event in Scotland’s summer calendar.”
To apply for the Fund, groups can fill out the form at lwp.scot and email it to info@lwp.scot before 5pm on Thursday 30 January for consideration.

Local wind farm developer, Lewis Wind Power, invites applications from local businesses to host a fully-paid apprentice

Lewis Wind Power (LWP), the developer of Stornoway wind farm, is excited to announce a new apprenticeship scheme offering local businesses in Stornoway the unique opportunity of hosting an apprentice.

LWP understands the importance of local skills and providing valuable, well paid jobs for the local economy, maximising the benefits of the development for the community. As such, it is creating the opportunity for two fully paid-for apprentices to work with local companies on the Western Isles on three-year placements.

Stornoway wind farm is a consented 33-turbine wind farm with a capacity of up to 200MW, located to the west of Stornoway. The project would generate enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 115,000 homes*. Since 2003, LWP has worked closely with the Stornoway Trust and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the project.

In addition to a Community Benefit Fund of up to £1million per year, there will also be the opportunity of up to 20 per cent of Stornoway wind farm being community owned. LWP also runs a sponsorship fund for local projects and initiatives to give back to the communities each year, with over 65 organisations benefitting to date. This also includes the long-running sponsorship of the LWP Islands Stage at the HebCelt Festival on the island.

Through this new apprenticeship scheme, LWP is specifically targeting businesses which could work on the construction of Stornoway wind farm in the coming years. The initiative will enable local people to gain essential skills needed to deliver the project while providing them with a valuable entry point into the industry.

Applications are sought from across sectors and are encouraged from non-traditional industries – and can involve a variety of energy related skills including environmental, craft or engineering as well as many others.

The local employer would be responsible for the recruitment and employment of the apprentices, arranging the training scheme, and providing the necessary safe working practices and provide opportunities to develop their skills. Lewis Wind Power would cover the salaries, additional training costs and travel costs of the apprentices.

Businesses based on the Western Isles can apply to host an apprentice, and must have the following criteria to be considered:

• Demonstrate evidence of having provided an apprenticeship programme.
• Have safe standards for working and be approved certified members of trade bodies recognising safety.
• Demonstrate management ethos committed to valuing and training young people.
• Provide the apprentices with a range of activities that will allow the apprentice to develop well rounded skills.
• Show they are a member of an industry body such as CITB, CECA or other.
• Hold high sustainability criteria in their everyday working

Darren Cuming, from Lewis Wind Power commented:

“This is a unique opportunity for two local businesses to benefit from hosting apprentices and to then be able to work on our Stornoway wind farm in the coming years.

“Not only will it provide young people the opportunity to work within the industry and grow their career, but it will give local employers a chance to be part of something exciting and develop their business and their employees as a result.

“We are keen to hear from all types of businesses who may be involved in the construction of the wind farm and who would benefit from having an apprentice as part of their team.

“We are committed to Stornoway and maximising the value the project brings to the local economy in various forms, whether that be through skills opportunities or through sponsorships and support for local projects and initiatives.”

Businesses interested in hosting an apprentice can find out more information here or by emailing logan.black@edf-re.uk. All applications should be submitted to Logan Black by 12 October.

A grant of £500 from Lewis Wind Power’s 2024 sponsorship fund is helping a youth project, run by the Volunteer Centre Western Isles.

The Generations – Working Together project sees different generations come together and encourage more young people to volunteer on the island. Specifically this youth project will work with Stornoway Primary School on a horticultural project.

It is part of a national movement to get generations working together for the better good of their local town, city or village and seek out volunteering opportunities for the betterment of the area.

The work of a well-known photographer from the Western Isles will be transformed and digitally restored thanks in part to a donation from Lewis Wind Power’s Stornoway Wind Farm Sponsorship Fund 2024.

The photographs, of a historic relevance and featuring many well known and loved locations on the Island, by Angus Smith will be transferred from film to digital to enable an archive to be built by the Stornoway Historical Society and made available to islanders.

Children at the largest primary school on the Western Isles are benefiting from a donation of £1,000 from Lewis Wind Power.

The school, which has over 450 primary and nursery pupils, runs a successful plant, grow and eat project which encourages multi-generational engagement through growing fruit and vegetables on the school’s grounds.

The monies will go towards enabling this work to continue and to help the children learn more about where their food comes from all whilst encouraging use of the Gaelic language.