MP backs opposition to Leith biomass plant

A CALL to block plans for a controversial biomass plant in Leith have won the backing of a city MP.

Sheila Gilmore, Labour MP for Edinburgh East, called for a ban on the construction of all large-scale biomass plants in Scotland.

She said: "These so-called 'green plans' are not right for Edinburgh or Scotland.

"Sourcing the wood chippings from around the world is not green and the environmental impact needs to be fully assessed. We need to move to carbon neutral and reduced carbon energy using the resources that we do have in Scotland."

On the Leith proposals, she added: "Aside from the carbon released into the atmosphere this will create more pollution and put strains on our trunk roads. I don't see how these plans are sustainable."

Forth Energy, a company formed by Forth Ports and Scottish and Southern Energy, is currently preparing to submit an application for a biomass plant at Leith docks.

The firm has admitted that much of the wood chip needed for the plant will have to be brought by boat from North America and Europe.