The Bristol-based Marine Current Turbines Ltd (MCT) has been able to clinch a deal with the Crown Estate Commissioners to harness the potential of the seabed of Kyle Rhea between Skye and the mainland.

The project is expected to install a £40 million four-turbine tidal farm in Kyle Rhea, which can provide a power to up to 8,000 Highlands and Islands homes. As per the sources, the design of the turbines is similar to that which is installed in the Northern Ireland's Strangford Lough since 2008.

Responding to the news, Martin Wright, MCT's Chief Executive, claimed that getting an approval played a key role in the process to deliver development for the region across the Kyle Rhea sea bed.

Further, MCT confirmed that they will submit an application next year to deploy the turbines by 2014 and further, informed that payment for the project will be made in parts by various sources which include private sector finance and Low Carbon Innovation Fund.

However, John Angus MacLean, Joint Chairman of the Glenelg and Arnisdale Community Council and a Director of the Glenelg Development Trust, claimed that though the people are pleased with the development of the area, the way this entire project will be implemented is dissatisfactory.