Western Isles Marine and Environment Ltd

Environmental and project development consultancy based in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Photo Credit: Jim Hope

About

Western Isles Marine and Environment Ltd is an environmental and project development consultancy based on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Founded in 2015 by Laura Carse CEnv MIEMA, a Chartered Environmentalist, the company provides a range of environmental and planning support services across the onshore and marine environment.

Through both in-house experience and a network of associates with extensive local knowledge of the Hebrides, WI Marine and Environment can support a range of projects from small community initiatives to large scale and complex EIA developments. Collaborations with mainland consultancies seeking local support in the Hebrides are also welcome.

EXAMPLE PROJECTS

Spaceport 1
North Uist

DATE: April 2019 - Ongoing

CLIENT: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar / Western Isles Council

Joint working with Orkney based consultants, Aquatera to deliver a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in support a planning application for a rocket launching facility in North Uist. Work to date includes the delivery of baseline ornithological surveys, otter surveys, acoustic modelling and air quality assessments.

Blue Fin Tuna Fishery

Socioeconomic Analysis

DATE: January 2021 - Ongoing

CLIENT: Harris Development Ltd with funding from Marine Scotland

Currently undertaking a socio-economic analysis of a potential Atlantic blue fin tuna fishery within the Western Isles as part of a consortium including Aquatera and Fulton Fisheries Ltd. As local manager, WI Marine and Environment is supporting on stakeholder identification, consultation, environmental research and supply chain analysis.

Organic Certification

Various Aquaculture Sites

DATE: January 2019 – March 2020

CLIENT: MOWI Ltd (formerly Marine Harvest Ltd)

Support in transitioning freshwater hatcheries, freshwater fish farms and marine fish farms to organic status and achieve certification from the Soil Association. WI Marine and Environment also provides specialist ongoing EIA and planning support to Mowi.

Photo Credit : Mowi

Point and Sandwick Windfarms

Isle of Lewis

DATE: January 2017 - 2018

CLIENT: Aquatera (for Point and Sandwick Trust)

EIA deputy project management for four community wind projects with an installed capacity of 105 MW. Lead for archaeology, ecology, hydrology, geology and hydrogeology assessments.

Photo Credit: Tony Robson

Outer Hebrides Overhead Transmission Line

Isle of Lewis

DATE: September 2018 - September 2019

CLIENT: Ramboll (for SSE)

Project manager for ornithological surveys for proposed major transmission line upgrade on the Isle of Lewis, undertaken in collaboration with Stagfire Ltd.

Photo Credit: Jim Hope

Uist Energy in Motion

North and South Uists

DATE: August 2016 - December 2016

CLIENT: Aquatera (for Cothrom Ltd)

WI Marine and Environment was subcontracted to lead on stakeholder identification, engagement and the socio-economic analysis of a range of electric vehicle (EV) adoption scenarios in the Uists. Outputs inlcuded recommendations for businesses to maximize opportunities and mitigate impacts.

SERVICES

Environmental Impact Assessment

Over fifteen years’ experience in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with specialist knowledge in renewables (offshore and onshore developments) and aquaculture. Our local knowledge, in situ base, network and skills are well placed to provide valuable project management support for complex EIA projects and onshore projects.

Photo credit: Gwen Evans

Stakeholder Consultation and Management

Experienced in delivering the legal consultation obligations to support planning applications for major developments. We can also support with general stakeholder engagement and public opinion gathering. Our associates include award- winning locally based Public Relations and Marketing specialists.

Environmental Surveys

We undertake surveys and source a range of high-quality specialists with extensive knowledge and experience of working in the Hebrides, many of whom are locally based. Support can be provided for ornithological, vegetation and mammal surveys in addition to habitat management plans, peat restoration plans and ecological enhancement opportunities.

Our network of subcontractors and associates covers the full range of EIA topics including specialist topics and requirements.

Photo credit: Jim Hope

Global Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping

To complement environmental analysis, our GIS services provide mapping and spatial analysis services to integrate, interpret and add value to environmental data.