To ask the Scottish Executive what is meant by the term "notable", as it relates to invertebrates in the scoping guidance for wind farm developments issued by the Scottish Government.

The term "notable" when relating to invertebrates in the scoping guidance refers developers to focus on significant species which may be impacted by the development, in particular protected and/or vulnerable species, including European Protected Species.

It would be expected that the baseline survey commissioned to support a proposal be guided by existing information on those species protected by national and international legislation (Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, Bern Convention, Habitats Directive including European Protected Species) and listed as UKBAP (UK Biodiversity Action Plan) Priority Species or British Red Data Book species, and those outwith the British Red Data Book but with nationally, regionally or locally scarce status.