A move to cut subsidy for onshore windfarms has been welcomed by Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser.
It is expected that the UK Government will reduce funding levels for new turbines on land, while giving more backing to offshore projects.
The Scottish Conservatives called for the reduction as part of an energy policy review earlier this year.
The paper argued that hefty subsidies for onshore wind did not reflect their economic viability, and suggested a phasing out of subsidies altogether in coming years.
Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“We suggested this very thing in our energy policy review earlier this year, and I’m glad it’s now happening.
“Onshore windfarms are an unreliable and intermittent source of energy, and deeply unpopular in many parts of Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire because of the visual impact they have on the landscape.
“The fact public money is used to back these developments irks people, and it’s right that – at the very least – the level of subsidy is reduced.
“Current subsidy levels are not just driving up household power bills and causing fuel poverty, but are also fuelling a gold rush in rural Scotland from those looking to cash in.
“Windfarms can play a part in a mixed-energy approach, but they are simply undeserving of the millions they currently receive in subsidy.
“This action by the UK Government is a very welcome step in the right direction.”