Marine Act hopes

The future for renewables under the new Marine (Scotland) Act will hopefully be more positive than some fear (your report, 7 April).

Good debate resulted in a balanced bill respecting the environment while allowing sustainable development of marine renewables in the right places. Attempts to introduce a form of Third Party Right of Appeal against marine licenses would have led to big delays and an uncertain future for our renewables targets, but were rejected. In their place we have seen the requirement for pre-application consultations, which ensures all interested parties are involved at an earlier stage in the decision-making process.

The Act also has a general duty on climate change alongside the protection of the Scottish marine area supported by industry and environmental NGOs. It is this combination we hope will set the tone for the secondary legislation to follow, ensuring a balanced approach to marine renewable developments.

JOHANNA YATES

Scottish Renewables

Bath Street, Glasgow