Subsidy question

During the televised debates between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling, I heard nothing regarding renewable energy and how the subsidies will be afforded by an independent Scotland.

This is extremely important to know before the referendum.

With only 8 per cent of energy bill payers and more than 60 per cent of wind farms, how we will afford the guaranteed subsidies paid for 25 years to developers and energy companies?

Westminster has categorically said it will not pay for Scottish renewable subsidies nor will it necessarily buy Scottish renewable power. It will buy from wherever gives the best deal for its citizens – why wouldn’t they?

Britain imports electricity from France, the Netherlands and Ireland and is planning to build cables to Belgium, Denmark and Norway, so it will have a range of partners from whom to buy.

If our energy bills or our taxes rocket to pay the subsidies (because either way we will be paying – of that you can be assured) then this will result in even more fuel poverty and an escalation in the number of food banks that the First Minister says he wants to stop.

Is Alex Salmond relying on that magic pot of never-ending North Sea oil money to make up any shortfall for this as well as everything else?

Lyndsey Ward

Darach Brae

Beauly