Careful what you wish for, says MSP

A WARNING has been given that renewable energy firms are preparing to carpet Galloway with windfarms - if national park status is not given.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said developers are eyeing the region if the park bid is rejected, as is now expected to happen.

The Labour politician made his claims ahead of a statement on the park expected next week.

He said: “This is a classic case of ‘be careful what you wish for’. Those who campaigned against a Galloway National Park may well be about to unleash an unprecedented wave of windfarm development across Galloway — the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

“If, as rumoured, the Scottish Government rejects the park proposal, they will effectively replace the welcome to Dumfries and Galloway signs at the border with ones that say ‘Keep Out — unless you’re building a windfarm’.

And he pointed out that Scottish Renewables’ contribution to the national park consultation opposed the park proposal, but also hinted at their own plans.

Mr Smyth said: “Scottish Renewables’ submission makes it crystal clear: if the National Park is blocked, we can expect a flood of new windfarm applications across Galloway. That’s not speculation — it’s their stated plan.”

Although he supports renewable energy, the MSP said: “Dumfries and Galloway already hosts over 11 per cent of Scotland’s wind turbines and that number is set to double if the current planning applications that have been submitted are agreed.

“But we don’t get 11 per cent of the jobs, the supply chain investment or the community benefit from these windfarms.

“People in our region already feel taken for granted — but it’s clear they haven’t seen anything yet. The energy companies are happy to take power from Galloway, but not to give much back.

“If the Government turns its back on the park next week, it must explain why — and whether it now supports Scottish Renewables’ vision of unfettered industrialisation across the south-west.”

Meanwhile, Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson has also hinted that the national park bid is set to fail.

He told fellow MSPs in Holyrood: “My understanding is that there is not the majority in favour of a national park proposal and a full designation order is unlikely to be made.”

The Scottish Government’s official decision is due on Thursday, May 29.

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