Following a meeting of the Community Council at which the decision by SHETL, a subsidiary of Scottish and Southern Energy, was discussed, Councillor Philip McLean stated: "I think it's safe to say the consensus of those present was that they would like SHETL to go a step further and take the entire length of cable from the mainland directly to Stornoway and the proposed sub-stations buildings proposed for Gravir with it."

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar had welcomed SHETL's decision to pursue the subsea route which was announced on Thursday afternoon. The Pairc community had been against an overland connection.

Leader Angus Campbell said: "This is a welcome decision that reflects the views of the Comhairle and the local community. I would thank SHETL for recognising local concerns and opting for a less intrusive infrastructure proposal. Hopefully this will pave the way for further renewable energy development in the islands."

The proposed connection is to strengthen the Western Isles grid as part of an overall upgrade of transmission lines.

SHETL have thanked all those who were involved in their consultations relating to the proposed electrical connection on Lewis.

They stated: "Extensive comments were received on various aspects of the Lewis infrastructure. Most notably, a strong preference was stated for a subsea connection between Grabhair and Stornoway as far as possible.

"We are required under the Electricity Act 1989 and our transmission licence to balance the environmental, economic and technical parameters in designing new transmission infrastructure.

Following extensive environmental and technical studies and this consultation work, SHETL believe that the best balance in this case is achieved by selecting a subsea route.