Salmond nod to biomass

EDINBURGH North and Leith Labour MSP Malcolm Chisholm has given a cautious welcome to remarks by Alex Salmond on biomass power stations.

Mr Chisholm had asked at First Minister's Questions if Mr Salmond would back a moratorium on large-scale biomass plants like the one proposed for Leith docks, pending research on their environmental impact.

The First Minister said he could not comment on individual applications that might go to ministers for determination.

But he said: "I agree the most logical use of Scottish biomass is for small-scale heating or combined heat and power systems, according to local heat demand."

Mr Chisholm said: "He was not committing himself, but his last remark was mildly encouraging."