Alex Salmond defends ‘renewables revolution’ in letter to Donald Trump

ALEX Salmond has written to US tycoon Donald Trump defending his “renewables revolution” and arguing that Scotland is ideally placed to benefit from its own natural resources.

Mr Trump has become an outspoken critic of the government because of plans to build offshore turbines near the site of his Aberdeenshire golf course.

Yesterday, he wrote to Mr Salmond following the news that Korean engineering company Doosan had shelved a renewable energy investment plan, citing “overall economic conditions”.

Mr Trump alleged the energy policy will turn Scotland into a third world wasteland that global investors will avoid.

However, in a letter made public today, the First Minister wrote: “It is my belief that Scotland’s great cities and ports are ideally placed to become a key hub for the rapidly-growing multibillion-pound offshore renewables industry.

“Our waters are estimated to have as much as a quarter of Europe’s potential offshore wind energy and we are perfectly positioned to develop the technology that will power this remarkable renewables revolution.”

The First Minister added: “I don’t expect you to support the development of the offshore wind in Scotland but I hope this letter will allow you to understand the position of the Scottish Government in terms of the importance we place on this industry’s great potential.”