Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch attended a public meeting in Glenelg on Friday evening 24th May to discuss the proposed tidal array at Kylerhea narrows.

Dave stressed his support for renewable energy and the proposed Kylerhea Tidal Array in principle, and emphasised his belief that the planning process was the right way to deal with objections. He also suggested that major community equity in such an experimental and risky scheme would be unwise.

ave said: “My preference is for community equity or ownership, but this is exceedingly complicated when we are dealing with technologies in their infancy. It is my view that, currently, high levels of community ownership would mean a huge burden of risk for the local communities, and it would be unwise to pursue this too aggressively at this stage, but I believe there is room for more limited local ownership of proven technologies in future.”

Although in its infancy, off shore renewable technologies are expected to play a major role in Scotland’s energy mix in the future, and Dave is keen to ensure that coastal communities will benefit as these new technologies approach maturity.

While there is already well developed guidance for community benefit through onshore renewables, Dave has suggested that it is important that new guidance is developed to ensure coastal communities will benefit from off shore resources.

Dave added: “I have written to the Scottish Government to ask three questions about future policy. Firstly, what plans do they have to ensure that community benefit guidelines are developed for off shore resources as those technologies approach maturity?

“Secondly, are there plans to introduce any mechanisms which would assist communities who wish to acquire some equity in proven off shore projects and:

“Thirdly, will the Government consider creating an infrastructure fund, which developers will pay into and which remote communities could bid into for development of infrastructure projects in their areas?

“The West Highlands and Islands must benefit from the renewable bonanza which is ahead of us and not just the developers and Government. I will do all I can to ensure that this happens.”