Scots also back wind power, finds poll

The majority of Scots are supportive of wind power - much to the annoyance of business tycoon Donald Trump, who is set to appear before Scottish Parliament to campaign against windfarm application plans.


This was the conclusion of new YouGov study, which polled more than 1,000 Scottish people in a bid to ascertain public attitudes to wind power development in Scotland.

Results from the poll, which was commissioned by Scottish Renewables, revealed that 71% of people back the use of wind power in Scotland, with just 7% saying they strongly disagree.

This echoes the findings of recent poll by Ipsos MORI for RenewableUK, which found that 67% of Brits are in favour of wind power.

It also comes ahead of a parliamentary appearance by Mr Trump later this week (April 25) to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee, in which he is expected to argue against the development of an off-shore windfarm near his luxury golf course in Aberdeen Bay.

In a bid to stop the development, it was announced by the Trump camp earlier this year that Mr Trump would provide financial support to anti-wind group Communities Against Turbines Scotland (CATS).

In a letter to Scotland’s first minister Alex Salmond, Mr Trump slammed plans for wind power development in Scotland, criticising the minister for being “hell bent on destroying Scotland’s coastline”.

However, both Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK, argue that wind power will help the UK meet its renewable energy target, boost energy security and tackle climate change.

Scottish Renewables chief executive Niall Stuart, said: “This lays to rest once and for all the idea that people of Scotland do not support wind power.

“A massive majority of people have clearly stated their support for the continuing development of wind power – offshore and onshore – as part of our energy mix.

“This goes to show just how out of touch Donald Trump and his allies are. The facts speak for themselves and we hope the committee will listen to the majority of Scots who have made their opinions very clear on the matter.”

Carys Matthews

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