Tiree On-Shore Scenario Mapping

* Study Update*

Tiree Onshore Scenario Mapping Report

Consultation on Draft Report

Friday 16 March – Friday 27 April 2012 - NOW CLOSED

Ironside Farrar, on behalf of the Steering Group chaired by Argyll and Bute Council, would now like to invite you to review the ‘Draft Tiree Onshore Scenario Mapping Report’ before it is formally finalised and the study concluded with the Steering Group.  The intent would be to note the comments received through draft report consultation and include and report on these within the report appendices. 

The consultation period on the draft report will from Friday 16 March – Friday 27 April 2012 - NOW CLOSED.  The Draft report and comment forms will be available throughout this time from:  

• Argyll and Bute Council website at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/tireeconsultation
• Tiree Community Development Trust www.tireetrust.org.uk
• In hard copy from:
  • Tiree Community Development Trust, Tiree Rural Centre, Crossapol, Tiree
  • An Tall, Island Centre, Crossapol, Tiree
  • Available via CD-ROM from Argyll and Bute Council, see contact below.

Please submit all responses by Friday 27 April 2012 – either online via the Argyll and Bute Council website above, or by post or email to:  

Tiree Onshore Scenario Mapping Study, c/o Lisa Hardie, Development and Infrastructure Services, 1A Manse Brae, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RD; Lisa.hardie@argyll-bute.gov.uk.  

Background

In February 2009 the Crown Estate granted exclusivity rights to two separate developers - Scottish and Southern Energy and Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) – to take forward the development of three off-shore wind farm sites in Argyll and Bute.    

The largest of these sites, situated off Tiree is the ‘Argyll Array’.  Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) have been granted exclusivity to examine the feasibility of this site, where it is believed there is the potential to generate between 500MW – 1800MW of energy, enough to power 270,000 to 1,000,000 homes.  To find out more about the proposal, visit the Argyll Array website. 

Off-shore wind farms have operational and maintenance needs that typically include a level of land-based development.  In examining how these developments may be taken forward it is important to understand, identify and plan for any on-shore implications arising from off-shore wind farms.   

The Study

Argyll and Bute Council is working in partnership with Marine Scotland, Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Tiree Community Development Trust, The Crown Estate, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Power Renewables to examine and better understand any potential on-shore implications associated with the proposed Argyll Array off-shore wind farm off Tiree. 

Following a tendering exercise, Environmental Consultants Ironside Farrar has been appointed to help the Steering Group take forward the study, over the next six months.    

The project will consider the on-shore implications arising from 4 scenarios identified by SPR, for operations and maintenance activity, throughout the development of the wind farm.   You can find out more about the 4 scenarios and how the study will be progressed on the Tiree On-shore Scenario Mapping Presentation.  

Engagement with the community and key stakeholders is at the heart of the process.  Consultation is planned throughout the study period.  

Tiree Tender Document  ‘Please note this tender document was circulated to all bidders and under Public Procurement Regulations the terms of the contract may have changed during clarifications, or post tender negotiations.’ You can also keep up to date with the progress of the study via the Steering Group Action Points and most recent press releases:    Consultation Event 3 – Exhibition BoardsO&M Scenario Reporting

Ironside Farrar (on behalf of the Steering Group chaired by Argyll and Bute Council) held their third drop in consultation event at An Talla, Tiree, 29th and 30th  November 2011. 

The event was intended to provide further understanding of each of the four potential Operations & Maintenance Scenarios advised by the developer and to consider in more detail the potential implications for Tiree.

This consultation period is now over although the exhibition boards presented at Consultation Event 3 can still be viewed 

It is also important to recognise that this continues to be interim reporting and represents the findings of Ironside Farrar. Consultation and details will continue to evolve as the study is developed and finalised.     

Consultation Event 2 – Exhibition Boards

Interim Assessment

Ironside Farrar (on behalf of the Steering Group chaired by Argyll and Bute Council) held their second drop in consultation event at An Talla, Tiree, 3rd and 4th October 2011. 

The event presented an interim assessment of, and sought views on, the 4 potential operations and maintenance scenarios and associated implications of the proposed offshore array.  Ironside Farrar and the Steering Group wish to ensure wide participation and awareness of the interim findings of the study presented at this event.

This consultation period is now over although the exhibition boards presented at Consultation Event 2 can still be viewed.

The areas on the boards that are still subject to validation we have marked as ‘provisional’, it is also important to recognise that this is interim reporting and consultation and details will continue to evolve as we develop and finalise the study.  

* Press Release *

Council chairs new Tiree project Steering Group - 15 August 2011