Nearshore and Onshore Drone Surveys

Starting next week, a range of surveys will be carried out along the onshore route and in the nearshore area of the proposed Spiorad na Mara project, in order to build up a more detailed picture of the topography of the land and seabed.

From Monday 11^th August 2025, a programme of bathymetric, topographic and magnetometer surveys covering the nearshore and landfall area northwest of Upper Barvas will get underway, together with a topographic survey of the cable route corridor, extending southeast across the island towards Stornoway. Further details of the areas to be surveyed are included in the maps, below.

The surveys are expected to take between three to six weeks to complete and will be undertaken by Geo-4D, an independent British geoscience consultancy and survey specialist. Using state-of-the-art technology, they will collect high-resolution and accurate elevation and photographic information, with the data provided helping to refine the development and design of the proposed Spiorad na Mara offshore windfarm project.

Geo-4D will use aerial drone equipment to carry out the surveys, which is standard practice for the type of work being undertaken.  All drone operators will hold appropriate qualifications and will evaluate local airspace restrictions and hazards prior to commencing any work. Drone operations will only be performed if deemed safe by the pilot.

The drones will take aerial pictures of the survey area defined in the maps below. The imagery resolution will be insufficient for identification of individuals and the images will be used solely for the purposes of informing the project design. The drones will not capture any video.

Geo-4D will be responsible for gaining any required airspace permissions and conducting appropriate courtesy notifications for all local airspace users. Where required, the necessary permission from landowners to access and take off land anywhere within the survey areas has also been obtained by Spiorad na Mara.

All drone operations will be conducted maintaining the highest standards of environmental sensitivity and compliance.

Drone flights will be planned to minimise potential interactions with birds, taking into account known nesting sites, hunting patterns, and periods of high activity. Prior to each flight, on-site observations will be conducted to assess bird behaviour and adjust operations accordingly. A dedicated bird specialist from a local company based in Stornoway has been involved in the preparation of the survey and the development of a mitigation plan to avoid bird disturbance. This specialist will also be present in the areas where sensitive species have been identified, to observe and monitor approaching birds, enabling immediate intervention if signs of aggression or disturbance are observed.

Subject to weather conditions, the drones will operate during daylight hours and on weekdays and Saturdays at the following heights:

Nearshore & seaside: Magnetometer drone: 2-7 metres; LiDAR drone: 70 metres

Onshore: 70 – 120 metres

In the event of any queries, please contact:

Kathleen Milne, Community Liaison Officer, at  kathleen.milne@northlandpower.com or telephone 07442 585935.