Wave Energy Scotland should be based in Orkney – McArthur

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has again urged Scottish Ministers to ensure that the newly-created Wave Energy Scotland is located in the islands.

Mr McArthur has lodged a series of parliamentary questions on the issue, and confirmed that he plans to continue pursuing the Scottish Government to reverse its decision to locate WES in Inverness.

He said: “No-one disputes the leading role that Orkney has played in the development of wave energy to date.  Likewise, for Scotland to make a success of this technology, Orkney will need to remain in the vanguard.

“It is time, therefore, that the Scottish Government reviewed the decision to locate WES in Inverness and made clear its intention for these key roles to be based in Orkney.  I would hope that this is a move that the Islands Minister, Derek Mackay would support as well.

“Orkney has a global brand for marine energy.  It is a brand that people in the sector all over the world recognise and have flocked to for advice, support and opportunity.  That is why WES must be at the heart of matters in Orkney”.