Commenting on the news from the Crown Estate that the scheme to develop tidal power in the Pentland Firth has attracted 42 bids from 20 different companies around the world, Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson and local MSP Liam McArthur said:

"It’s encouraging that so many firms are interested in capitalising on the energy potential of the Pentland Firth. Harnessing the power of these waters will go a long way in helping Scotland reach its potential as the renewables powerhouse of Europe.

"The Pentland Firth has been dubbed the Saudi Arabia of tidal energy. Given the challenges it presents to developers, however, it could just as easily be the Mount Everest.

"It must be recognised that we still know relatively little about the Pentland Firth and what will happen when we start putting devices in the water there.

"Ministers must also accept that the absence of a dedicated fund for marine renewables R&D is putting at risk our ambitions to create a world-leading wave and tidal sector in Scotland.

“Instead of wrapping themselves in the Saltire Prize, SNP Ministers must end the uncertainty over future funding, which is damaging Scotland's advantage in this exciting industry."

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