The SNO branch for Na h-Eileanan an Iar has called for the full devolution of energy powers so that all renewable energy developments have a mandatory 20% community ownership stake.

The proposal was successfully put forward by Euan Smith and Ross Bain at last weekend's SNP National Council in Glasgow.

The two young islanders spoke for the Western Isles' branch amendment, which was passed unanimously.

Both noted the impact that large-scale renewable developments such as Spiorad na Mara will have on local communities and urged that if such developments are to go ahead, then they must do so only with the consent of island communities and deliver tangible, sustainable, economic benefits for islanders.

Smith said: "People know we are the only party that advocates consistently for the people of Scotland. Voters in the Highlands and Islands need to know we will advocate for them too.

"Today, island and coastal communities are being told that they are the ones who will have to host massive offshore developments... These developments are understandably unpopular with those who will have to live with the disruption the construction and operation of these projects.

"They are told that these turbines will lead the way in an energy revolution, but who will see the profits? Faraway shareholders and corporations? Or islanders, who thanks to a Labour government that refuses to look at zonal pricing, pay the highest energy prices in the UK? 

"As it stands, we must not allow this project to go ahead

"With Scottish Government and HIE providing £6 million in funding, the Arnish yard in Stornoway will create 250 jobs in wind turbine construction. We will build the turbines in Lewis. We can install them in Lewis. They will power Lewis. It is only right that some of the wealth they generate stays in Lewis.

"Scotland's energy revolution cannot repeat the mistakes of our industrial past. We cannot ask communities to bear the cost while others reap the reward. If Scotland's wind belongs to Scotland, then the wealth it creates must belong first to the people who live beneath it."

Na h-Eileanan an Iar Membership Officer, Ross Bain added: "As we have seen, genuine community projects can have enormous benefits, grants for university, support with driving lessons, and many other schemes across these islands. As it stands, there is no legal guarantee for any profits to be seen from offshore wind projects."