Commenting as a new wave power station is switched on in Argyll and Bute, Liberal Democrat Energy spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

“The new wave power station on Islay is indicative of the leading role that Scotland can play in driving forward marine energy.

“Jim Mather is right to point to the success of WATES (Wave and Tidal Support Scheme) funding introduced by the previous Executive. It can make Scotland a ‘world leader in the development and deployment of wave and tidal technologies'. However, in contrast to Nicol Stephen’s decision to increase the budget by £5 million to £13 million in February last year, Mr Mather has offered no new funding. Indeed, he says that the Scottish Government will ‘monitor closely the progress made by these projects before making a decision on the provision of further direct grant support’.

“During the first phase of this funding for marine energy in Scotland, nine companies received grants to encourage innovation in marine energy. The SNP’s attitude risks this progress made by the previous Executive.

“This is precisely the sort of support that is needed. The current Scottish Government must not now squander this good start.”