MSP ‘exasperated’ as he brands Highland renewables situation a ‘failure of politics’ to deal with ‘Wild West’ style renewables expansion
A Highland MSP has been left “exasperated” by the situation surrounding renewables developments in the Highlands which he brands a “failure of politics” that has led to a “Wild West” style expansion of projects.
Edward Mountain hosted an open meeting to discuss energy infrastructure in the Assembly Rooms in Wick, attended by almost 50 people.
From the meeting five key findings emerged:
• Locals are exasperated with the lack of fairness and meaningful consultation in planning processes
• The lack of an overarching plan for the rollout of renewables or reaching Net Zero was dubbed a “Wild West” situation
• Battery storage was a “particularly hot topic” given many feel they are genuinely dangerous
• The purported jobs which are often advertised as a positive of big energy infrastructure projects do not benefit local communities.
• The Scottish Government is a driving force is fast-tracking projects with little scrutiny or meaningful engagement while vetoing nuclear.
A straw poll taken by Mr Mountain saw more than 40 people present back the integration of more nuclear power into Scotland’s energy portfolio – just two were opposed.
Mr Mountain said: “I was happy to host an open meeting to discuss energy infrastructure in Wick, and to hear first-hand from constituents about their concerns.
“When it comes to the onslaught of renewables and energy infrastructure currently flooding the Highlands, there is a resignation to inevitability among locals, who are being totally ignored.
“It saddens me that Highlanders feel they are being worn down into submission, and I am exasperated that the Scottish Government is doing nothing to listen to local people.
“This is a fundamental failure of politics, and indeed one of the reasons that I feel I can no longer do politics.
“The situation is comparable to the Highland Clearances – big industry is wearing people down, and ultimately forcing them off the land.
“Highlanders will not stand for it, and neither will I.”