CARMICHAEL AND ALEXANDER FAIL TO STEP UP FOR SCOTLAND’S ISLANDS

The Scottish National Party has condemned the UK government for failing to recognise the different needs of Scotland’s islands when introducing an energy strike price further to today’s announcements of the support prices for electricity generation.

The UK Government have announced a cut in support for onshore wind and solar energy and slightly increased backing to offshore wind and hydro power, however they have failed to take into consideration the different challenges facing Scotland’s islands – with a one size fits all strike price.

Commenting, SNP MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar Angus MacNeil said:

“All islands are different – and have different costs associated with renewable energy – and I am disappointed to see the UK government package the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland together.

“While Scotland’s islands are home to enormous amounts of potential renewable energy, producers face higher costs from harnessing these resources. Following intensive pressure from the Scottish Government and Scotland’s renewables sector, those cost pressures were recognised with the confirmation that there will be a specific strike price for islands, however the UK Government has failed to recognise the different needs.

“What is the point in having Alistair Carmichael as Scottish Secretary of State – an islands MP- if they cannot deliver for Scotland’s islands?

“At the Treasury his colleague and fellow Highlands & Islands MP, Danny Alexander, is failing to deliver for renewable energy- first he undermined the oil and gas sector in the 2011 budget, and now it’s renewables. Surely the Lib Dem’s Highlands and Islands MPs can get together and ensure that the necessary support is there.

“With community support, island renewables will bring much needed jobs and investment to the islands and ensure that we share in the full economic benefits of Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy targets.”

 

ENDS