Protect Our Hebridean Horizon

Aim

Hebridean Horizon is islander‑led, saying NO TO MACHAIRWIND to protect our seascapes from unprecedented threat of industrialisation.

HELP PROTECT OUR ISLANDS AND SAY NO TO MACHAIRWIND

Our islands - including Mull, Iona, Islay, Tiree, Ulva, Jura and Colonsay - are places where landscape, culture, wildlife and community life are deeply intertwined. These horizons sustain us, define us, and draw visitors and pilgrims from around the world.

The proposals by MachairWind would permanently alter these protected waters and coastlines, while offering no meaningful benefit to island communities or to Scottish taxpayers, who are being asked to subsidise developments that our grid cannot yet support.

It is under imminent threat by Iberdrola - the overseas-based energy giant which owns ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), with an industrial development on a scale never before seen in the Inner Hebrides.

The proposal would cover 448 km² of sea, with at least 91 turbines standing 340 metres high, located within 6 miles of Colonsay, 10 miles of Islay, and 13 miles of Mull and Iona. To put this into perspective, each turbine would stand taller than the Eiffel Tower. Imagine 91 Eiffel Towers dominating your horizon. (Learn More)

Our purpose is simple

Ensure that decision‑makers uphold the principles Scotland has already committed to - planning integrity, environmental stewardship, responsible public spending and the fair treatment of island communities. Under these principles, schemes of this scale and location would not be permitted.

Our work is urgent

On 11 June 2026, MachairWind Limited submitted an application to the Scottish Ministers, in accordance with the the Electricity Act 1989 and The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017, to construct and operate the MachairWind Offshore Wind Farm – Reference:  MD-00012385/ MD-00012386

Application documents and impact assessment reports can be accessed via the following link:

MachairWind project (Scotwind W1) | marine.gov.scot

We are currently reviewing the application documents (of which there are hundreds of pages) in detail and will be providing simplified “how to object” guidance as soon as possible.

Alternatively, please review the documents yourself and forward your comments to [email protected] 

THE DEADLINE FOR OBJECTIONS IS 15TH AUGUST 2026.

We are volunteers. We are islanders. We are stewards of a landscape that belongs not just to us, but to Scotland and the world. Your support helps us secure expert advice, produce campaign materials, commission independent analysis, and ensure our communities have a strong, informed voice in the decisions that will shape our future.

Together, we can protect the Hebridean horizon for generations to come.

How to Object

Renewable energy matters
But fragile and unique communities matter too

HOW YOUR SUPPORT CAN HELP:

£10 – helps print leaflets, stickers and posters for individuals, vehicles, homes, shops, and visitor hubs.

£20 – contributes to website hosting, email distribution and online briefing materials.

£40 – covers a large‑format A1 map or other visuals for public meetings or events

£75 – pays for volunteer expenses to deliver a public information event.

£100 – supplies one pop-up banner for events and information points.

£150 –  contributes to print and distribution of 500–600 leaflets across our islands, visitor sites and ferry terminals.

£250 – contributes to commissioning planning, environmental or legal experts.

£500 – contributes to commissioning specialist or creative input on planning, grid capacity, wildlife, cultural or socio‑economic impacts.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 17th September 2026 at 11:54am