Isle of Eigg residents will receive mains electricity for the first time today, allowing the 87 residents to become completely self-sufficient.

Mains electricity will come from a unique £1.6million scheme, combining wind, hydro-electric and solar energy. The funds came from residents’ donations and a grant from the EU, the National Lottery and the Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company.

Eigg, which is six miles long and four miles wide, has until now received power from unreliable diesel generators. Houses will now be allocated five kilowatts, businesses, 10 kilowatts.

After buying the island in 1997 for £1.5million from its absentee landlord, Eigg’s current population of 87 residents will finally now receive mains electricity.

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