Plan to slash Scots energy use hailed

GREEN groups in the Capital have welcomed a new plan by the Scottish Government to reduce energy use.

Friends of the Earth Scotland, WWF Scotland and RSPB Scotland said a goal of reducing Scottish overall energy use by 12 per cent by 2020 was "a step in the right direction".

However, they expressed concern at the amount of funding available for the plans.

Duncan McLaren, Friends of the Earth Scotland's chief executive, said: "We welcome the target, but to deliver it will need upfront investment.

"If the Government cannot provide the cash, then it must use regulation to require action, backed by measures to ensure that financial institutions make the funds necessary available."

He added: "Funding must come at low interest rates that allow householders and businesses to pay loans off through the savings they make on energy bills."