Harnessing the "Renewables Revolution"
Rural Affairs Secretary and MSP Richard Lochhead has encouraged farmers and landowners to take part in Scotland's "renewables revolution". Mr Lochhead was speaking at the Black Isle Show at Muir of Ord, at which he said a new Agri-Renewables Strategy would help those involved in rural affairs to "unlock the green energy potential of their land". The strategy will consider key challenges for land managers, including:
- Understanding the planning system
- Access to independent advice
- Pre-construction costs
- Connection to the National Grid
and will be part of the Scottish government's 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland.
Mr Lochhead said: "Scotland is currently experiencing a renewables revolution and I want to see farmers, crofters and land managers working with local communities to ensure they grasp the benefits for their businesses and the nation."
He added: "However, we are all on a steep learning curve, and need to quickly learn to take advantage of the industry's increasing enthusiasm.
"We need to get our heads around the various challenges as well as the opportunities."
For more information about the Agri-Renewables Strategy or the 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland, please visit the Scottish Government 2020 website and download the related PDF here.