Commenting on reports that parts of Scotland's sea bed are to be leased to developers who want to generate tidal electricity, Liberal Democrat Energy spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

“The Pentland Firth has the potential to be the Saudi Arabia of tidal energy, but given the challenges presented by this energetic flow of water, it is also the Mount Everest. It is important therefore that licenses are properly controlled and we do not see a free for all that would set the industry back years.

“Nevertheless, ensuring the development of marine renewable energy is critically important for Scotland to achieve its full energy potential and secure the advantages of prime mover in this exciting technology. In that context, this is very encouraging news.”