Wind subsidy

The article, “Scrap subsidy cut, say MSPs” (30 June), portrays exactly why, throughout the UK, we should be much more worried that Westminster might be tempted to find some way to “appease” the Scottish Government by watering down the subsidy-cutting commitment.

Quite the reverse is needed. The undeniable fact remains that although more than 91 per cent of the UK population live south of the Border and are therefore liable to support the benefits accrued in Scotland from an excessive adoption of wind power – we all pay for these subsidies via our electricity bills.

In addition, the troubles for the UK which are likely to accompany the Greek/EU financial crisis (even if a brief amount of extra time is gained from any future deal) make it even more of an imperative that such payments cease, and fast, not least because, as reported, the annual cost of the renewable target is said to be a staggering £9 billion with profits made by foreign developers largely disappearing overseas.

When set against the industry’s questionable claims on jobs, 
no-one can fail to see the imbalance produced and the scale of the problem.

Some employment is real but temporary, focused on short-term construction jobs as well as short-term (no matter how trivial) related jobs.

What about the strain that wind power’s inevitable higher electricity rates place on all our firms and businesses – rates that are now a major obstacle to our existing businesses and attraction of new businesses?

C Metcalfe

Taynuilt

Argyll