Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch, welcomes the most recent report by the Siemens Group company Marine Current Turbines that the tidal stream array development at Kylerhea narrows will not cause a significant disturbance to the ecosystem.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I welcome the non-technical summary, which shows that the communities concerns have been given strong consideration by the developers. The tidal array has the potential to bring huge benefits to the community, and also to deliver a significant boost to a fledgling renewable technology.

The detailed environmental impact assessment provided by Marine Current Turbines was verified by an impartial agency Royal Haskoning DHV. Beyond alleviating concerns over the ecological impact, the summary also showed that the project will have a limited impact on the views at Kylerhea.

The proposed Tidal Array has also secured significant levels of funding from the European Union; over £15 million.

Adding to this, Dave said: “I am pleased that the developers have listened to the concerns being raised, and I believe that the findings of this report go some way to addressing fears over the impact on the ecosystem.

“The final decision will of course rest with planners, but through engaging constructively with local concerns the developer will greatly increase their chances of success.

“Community projects such as the Glenelg and Arnisdale Development are vital to Scotland achieving its energy targets, while at the same time securing a share of the benefits for local communities.”