Former Scottish National Party MSP for Argyll and Bute
The energy consents and deployment unit received 1,900 consultation responses from organisations that were consulted on the proposed development and from members of the public who submitted representations. Of those responses, 1,156 were objections, which include holding objections that were made pending the submission of further information; two supported the development; and 732 were...
I note Malcolm Chisholm’s comments. We are working closely with the United Kingdom Government to help it to develop its biomass strategy. As he properly said, I cannot comment on live planning applications. It is obvious that I cannot comment on any call for a moratorium on applications for large-scale biomass plants when ministers are involved in determining the process for such schemes.
I note that suggestion. We should note that the process has been properly followed, open and consultative. I hope that such features will be the hallmark of future processes.
The reasons these bids could not be supported was that the score of the bids against the full criteria used fell below that of the others. In the case of Highland, the bid’s explanation of the impact on jobs, and the area and population covered, was weaker than the highest scoring bids. Other bids also provided technical solutions likely to deliver longer term sustainability. In the case of...
The Scottish Government provides support through the PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) Partnership to all individuals facing redundancy. The local PACE Partnership is aware of potential job losses at West Freugh and has contacted the company to offer advice and support. To date QinetiQ has declined the offer of this support as they already have arrangements in place to...
The Kintyre site was one of the short-term options that was included within the Draft Plan for Offshore Wind Energy in Scottish Territorial Waters. The Scottish Government has just published the plan which includes its view on the proposed offshore wind farm at Kintyre.
I am aware of the success of places such as Falkirk in building broad-based employability partnerships with a combined focus on the needs of adults and young people. It is clear that the approach is working because, despite the difficult economic conditions, the number of people employed in Falkirk rose by 400 over the year to June 2010. In fact, at 72.5 per cent, the employment rate for...
I recognise the scenario that the member has painted. Alexander Dennis, Malcolm Allan and HEROtsc have all displayed resilience and perseverance, have invested in and developed new products and services, and have sought out markets and won new contracts. The Scottish Government is doing more: four offers of regional selective assistance in the Falkirk area have been accepted, amounting to...
