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A renewable future for the Highlands- for the Inverness Courier
I have always spoken of the potential that the UK, and especially Scotland, offers in renewable energy. It is something that Lib Dems have long championed, and being in Government means we have been able to do more than any previous Government to harness this.
Since we went into coalition we have done a huge amount to ensure that UK is leading the way on Climate Change. We have set up the Green Deal, a financing mechanism which allows consumers to make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes at no upfront costs. Instead consumers will make the repayments back though their energy bills.
In May last year we showed our commitment to tackling Climate Change with the announcement that the UK has committed to halving CO2 emissions by 2025, the most ambitious targets of any developed country in the world.
Over the last year, £5.7bn worth of planned investment in UK renewables was announced in wind, biomass and energy from waste, potentially supporting tens of thousands of new jobs.
While the opportunity for green energy production spans the country, there is a real vision for Scotland’s future in this sector. Between April last year and January this year; over half a billion was invested in renewable energy in Scotland alone, creating more than 2,500 jobs.
I believe there is a real chance for green energy sector to fuel a thriving economic future; reopening dockyards as wind farm factories and harnessing the wind and wave power production.
Just two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to accompany Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader, Willie Rennie, to attend a visit with AWS Ocean on the Moray Firth. I found it incredibly impressive and indeed, excited by the prospects of the wave power sector.
My visit with AWS follows on from last November, when I accompanied the Chancellor, George Osborne, during a visit to Nigg on the Cromarty Firth. During the visit we announced £100 million of additional funding for Scottish renewable energy, including marine renewables.
Despite the pressures on the public purse, we are set to become a real world leader in green energy with the first ever national bank devoted to green investment; the first ever Carbon Capture and Storage project on a commercial scale and, in just four months, the greenest ever Olympic and Paralympic Games ever.
Despite the pressures on the public purse, we are set to become a real world leader in green energy with the first ever national bank devoted to green investment; the first ever Carbon Capture and Storage project on a commercial scale and, in just four months, the greenest ever Olympic and Paralympic Games ever.
There is a huge opportunity for creating jobs and driving growth through green energy over the next few years in the UK and especially Scotland, and Lib Dems in coalition fully intend to take it.
A local election for local people
A local election for local people
Highland Liberal Democrats have always been given the space we need, by the national party, to work effectively for the Highlands.
Having grown up in the Highlands, I’m only too aware of how important local decision making is to tackling issues in the Highlands and improving our area. That’s why I am very proud that the Lib Dem led council have managed to focus on issues that are really important for local people - without being distracted by the national debate over Scottish independence.
Over the last 6 years, councillors have worked hard to provide the best care and services for the people of the Highlands. I have seen firsthand just how hard our councillors work for their communities. Indeed, there are few parts of the UK where year-round focus on local issues is maintained more the Highlands.
That’s why it’s essential that candidates in the local elections maintain their composure, even while the SNP candidates attempt to usurp the election to call for separation. Crucially, whatever the makeup of the council administration after 3rd May, the Highland Council must remain free to make decisions based on Highland issues, without dictatorial control from Holyrood – or Westminster.
Posted on: 20/04/2012
