Scottish Renewables warns axing onshore wind turbines would cost jobs

“Thousands” of Scottish jobs would be lost and energy bills would rocket if reported Conservative plans to scrap onshore wind turbines were followed through, Scottish Renewables has claimed.

However, Tory MSP Murdo Fraser called for a similar move north of the border after sources close to Prime Minister David Cameron apparently told The Guardian newspaper the UK Government is considering a pledge to halt the construction of onshore turbines.

Mr Cameron apparently wants to toughen planning laws and tear up subsidy rules to make turbines less financially viable.

Planning is currently a devolved issue, so Holyrood has control over it with approval for windfarms within Scotland ultimately falling to the Scottish Government.

Scottish Renewables chief executive Niall Stuart said: “Axing onshore wind would be bad news for the economy, the environment and employment across Scotland.”