Liberal Democrat Energy spokesperson and MSP for Orkney Liam McArthur has welcomed confirmation from the Crown Estate that the Pentland Firth is to be opened to commercial wind and wave power developments.
Commenting, Mr McArthur said:
"It's very encouraging that moves are being made to capitalise on the energy potential of the Pentland Firth. This energetic stretch of water has been dubbed the Saudi Arabia of tidal energy, but given the challenges it presents to developers, it could as easily be called the Mount Everest of tidal energy.
"I am determined that Scotland should fulfil its potential in marine energy. We must recognise, however, that we still know relatively little about the Pentland Firth and what will happen when we start putting devices in the water there. Scottish Ministers must be careful to avoid straying from justified optimism and ambition to spin and assertion that could damage the reputation of the industry and Scotland's chances of becoming a powerhouse in marine renewables."
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