Macsween slams Mather energy report 30/1/09
Prospective Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Donald John MacSween, today slammed a Scottish Government report into the prospect of a Renewable Energy industry in the Outer Hebrides.
The report, issued by Enterprise Minister, Jim Mather, comes on the back of the Minister’s refusal to approve the giant AMEC windfarm in North Lewis.
It was commissioned by the Scottish Government and delivered by the Halcrow Group.
Mr Macsween said: “This report is too little, too late. It is now almost a year since Jim Mather arrived in Stornoway to much fanfare to announce a new future for renewables in the Hebrides.
“He promised a stimulating report by August 2008 but what he has delivered is a bland, unremarkable piece of work – six months late.
“During that period, as the Minister fiddled, the Western Isles lost almost 500 jobs.
Mr Macsween continued: “The complacency of the Scottish Government at this time of economic crisis and in the face of the massive renewables resource in the islands is breathtaking.
“The report states that there is scope for a 150 MW Wind Farm in North Lewis and yet makes no reference to the significant wind energy schemes currently being pushed through by four committed local communities.
“The Minister’s report is neither hot nor cold – it proposes the provision of up to 50 turbines but that is insufficient to kick start production at Arnish nor justify an interconnector, and the Minister knows it.
Mr Macsween criticised the delayed outcome of the study: “This report does nothing for the local community and I want to see Stornoway Trust, Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn and the Comhairle coming together to build a genuine community project.
He added: “The stance of our local MSP on this matter is amusing. He welcomes this report from his political masters while only recently basing his whole election campaign on the outright refusal of the AMEC project and onshore wind in Lewis in general.
“He reminds me of that character in Pilgrim’s Progress, ‘Mr Looking Both Ways’. Where are the islands going under this sort of leadership?
“The islands must get on their feet and deliver their own destiny. Jim Mather has again confirmed that we can expect no help from the Scottish Government”
