LOCAL MSP Rob Gibson has called for a “facts over fears” debate on renewable energy.
The SNP member wants the discussion to look at the Highland Council’s draft guidelines for onshore turbine sites.
He said it is important to hammer out these details so the area can start on the right road to renewable power.
“Climate justice can’t be left to others,” he said. “We need to have appropriate developments to farm the land, the seas and the air to sustain future generations and cut climate gases.”
He also criticised what he calls “ill-founded scaremongering” coming from a small handful of anti-wind-farm campaigners and councillors.
“The Highland people and Scots as a whole reject the dangerous and unwanted route that left parts of Japan near Fukushima truly devastated for centuries to come. Scots deserve energy sufficiency and the potential to export to England and the rest of Europe as part of a sustainable future.”
He added: “As one of the windiest places in Europe communities as well as small businesses can all reap a harvest for our economy.”
Mr Gibson claimed hydro schemes originally got the same knee-jerk reaction as wind farms are receiving now.
“Opposition to hydro schemes in the 1950s provoked the same defence of so-called wind land amenity,” he said.
“Since then the hydro schemes are a well-respected fixture in our landscape. The simple fact is that renewable energy works in the Highlands.”
