Wishart: Shetland community benefit should come from ScotWind revenues
During today's First Minister's Questions, Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart called on the Scottish Government to give Shetland its fair share of the ScotWind revenues, making sure it receives proper community benefit.
Community benefit refers to the money that local communities receive due to the impact of hosting energy infrastructure, such as wind turbines.
This money could be used to cut energy bills for households or provide local services.
Speaking in parliament, Ms Wishart highlighted the increasing energy infrastructure being planned for and built in the isles. Islanders have raised the issue with Ms Wishart, alongside high energy bills.
Shetland consistently has some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in Scotland. Recent estimates show that almost a third of all residents in Shetland are in fuel poverty.
Questioning the First Minister, Beatrice Wishart said:
“Shetland has got some of the highest energy bills in the UK, whilst renewable energy infrastructure now dominates the isles.
“103 onshore wind turbines with more to come.
“Proposals for substations and 38 metre pylons running across Shetland.
“Offshore wind farm developments and subsea cables which will displace the vital fishing sector.
“And we’re not getting much back.
“Community benefit needs to be meaningful.
“The Scottish Government is getting hundreds of millions of pounds from ScotWind.
“So will the First Minister commit to giving Shetland its share of the ScotWind leasing revenues?”
After the exchange Ms Wishart commented:
“It is in the gift of the First Minister and his government to divvy up the ScotWind revenues, and Shetland deserves its share.
“The Scottish Government sold off Scotland’s seabed at rock bottom prices.
“Communities should see their fair share of revenues when they host renewable energy generation.
“People in Shetland are concerned about the increasing infrastructure developments and the lack of tangible benefits.”