Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess has raised concerns in the Scottish Parliament about proposals for the Moray FLOW-Park floating offshore wind development, calling for local communities to have a stronger voice in the process.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate, the Scottish Green MSP highlighted the views of residents in Nairn, Findhorn, Burghead and along the wider Moray Firth coastline, some of whom attended the session in the public gallery.
Burgess said communities were not opposed to renewable energy or action on climate change, but had legitimate questions about the potential impact on marine life, fishing, boat routes and tourism.
“These communities are watching closely.
“They are asking reasonable questions about impact, fairness, and voice.
“Those concerns deserve respect.
“Supporting renewables does not mean suspending scrutiny, how we transition matters.”
The MSP also expressed concern that public funding had already been committed to early planning work before local residents had been fully involved.
She argued that where public money is invested, communities should help shape proposals from the outset rather than being consulted after key decisions have been taken.
Burgess questioned the relationship between the proposed floating wind storage park and the nearby Cromarty Firth Freeport, which the Scottish Greens have previously opposed.
She suggested that the scale and structure of the project could be linked to the Freeport designation and asked whether communities had been presented with the full implications during that earlier process.
Turning to Crown Estate Scotland, Burgess raised what she described as a conflict of interest, noting that the body generates revenue from developments such as offshore wind while the Scottish Government determines whether projects proceed.
“Crown Estate Scotland appears to have misjudged the strength of feeling in local communities, and that reflects a wider concern that it has lost touch with the very people who rely on it to protect their coasts and waters, whether from floating storage parks or polluting salmon farms.”
The MSP also challenged support for new oil and gas developments alongside commitments to climate action.
“We should have begun this transition in earnest twenty or thirty years ago.
“We’re now trying to move quickly, but speed cannot replace trust.
“If Scotland is to lead in offshore wind, let us lead in democracy too, grounded in marine protection, worker protection, community voice and genuine shared benefit.
“That must be the foundation, not the afterthought.”
The Moray FLOW-Park proposal remains under consideration.
