Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has backed comments from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland who have criticised speculative turbine applications and ill placed wind farms.
The MCoS said that it was “completely wrong that companies can waste public time and money by putting forward grossly unsuitable applications of this kind”.
David Gibson, chief officer for the MCoS said: “We are not opposed to renewables - we simply recognise that our wild lands and open spaces are fundamental to Scotland’s character and identity.”
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“These comments are part of a larger public reaction against the environmental costs of wind energy. Of course within any energy mix we can expect suitably placed turbines to play a key role in electricity generation. However the Scottish Government’s current strategy desperately requires evaluation and reassessment.
“A recent study has questioned the feasibility of attractive turbine subsidies in an independent Scotland. The economic and environmental case for large expanses of wind turbines is faltering and I hope the Scottish Government seriously considers the future implications of their energy policy.
“In the year of Natural Scotland it would be great to have a reasoned debate on wind energy supported by real evidence and facts rather than Scottish Government posturing.”