By Isabella Kaminski

According to Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), initial site survey work and consultations on the wind farm planned to be developed 2 km off the west coast of Kintyre have identified a number of issues including wind resources, the proximity to Campbeltown Airport and local communities and the impact on recreational sailing in the area.

But survey work undertaken so far indicates that the Islay site, 13 km off the west coast of Islay, is suitable for the development of a viable wind farm. The Crown Estate granted exclusive rights to develop both these sites in February 2009.

SSE says that it remains committed to developing the Islay site although it presents a number of challenges resulting from difficult weather and seabed conditions, which are not unique to Islay. The company believes that it will be able to apply advances made in construction techniques and the technology being developed for Round 3 offshore wind farms to overcome these challenges.

Colin Hood, Chief Operating Officer of SSE, says: "SSE remains committed to developing offshore wind in the UK, with Greater Gabbard and Walney wind farms producing their first electricity in January. Our plans to develop the Galloper and Beatrice offshore sites are on course and we aim to submit applications to develop these sites within the next twelve months."