Former Harrods boss says Salmond is ‘unpatriotic’

By SHÂN ROSS
Published on 24/03/2012 00:32

FORMER Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed has accused Alex Salmond of being “unpatriotic, uncompassionate and poisoning” the people of a small Highland community.

The tycoon hit out at the First Minister over his support for a £43 million waste incinerator near Invergordon.

Mr Al Fayed, who owns the nearby Balnagown Castle and who launched a Court of Session legal challenge against the incinerator, was in Invergordon last night to address a public meeting against the plant.

“How can anyone elect a man like that who does not care about the people if he is prepared to allow that amount of pollution in a populated area,” he said.

Durham-based Combined Power and Heat (Highlands) Limited was granted planning permission by the Scottish Government in May 2010 after plans were rejected by Highland Council. Mr Al Fayed, principal shareholder in Ross Estates, appealed the decision at the Court of Session.

Permission was quashed by the Court of Session and judges returned the issue to Scottish ministers.

A Scottish Government reporter will hear evidence next week to decide the next steps in the appeal.