MacDonald maiden speech: Renewable schemes must provide real benefit to Highland communities

During a debate on the GB Energy Bill, newly elected Highland Liberal Democrat MP, Angus MacDonald, has made his maiden speech in the House of Commons (Thursday 5th September).

As well as highlighting the unique nature and huge geographical distances of his Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire constituency - formerly the seat of Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy - Mr MacDonald concentrated on its economic and structural challenges and set out proposals for ensuring highland communities benefit from the renewables revolution.

Mr MacDonald’s speech set out how rural communities across the UK can benefit from the further expansion of the renewable energy sector, with legislation requiring energy generators installing new schemes to provide 5% of revenue as community benefit. Additionally, a further suggestion that 2% is set aside for existing schemes capable of generating more than 1MW of energy.

During the speech he said:

“While the Highlands are beautiful and its people are wonderful, the region struggles financially... the rural west faces severe fuel poverty, public service cuts, and a lack of essential services, with many young people leaving for cities.”

Setting out how the Highland climate makes it the ideal base for renewable energy, attracting energy providers from around the world, he cautioned that local people hardly benefit from this multi billion pound investment surge.  

Angus noted, “There is a considerable disadvantage for rural people taking on the downsides of hosting our move from a carbon based energy world to renewable alternatives. It is only fair that we make this very beneficial to the impacted people.”

Following the speech, Mr MacDonald said:

“I took the unusual approach of highlighting a serious issue in my maiden speech that affects not only my constituency but rural Britain. It sets down a marker that I will campaign and work on this issue during my time in Parliament.

“This is one of the only occasions an MP is listened to in silence and without interruption by their colleagues. It was the perfect opportunity to speak about an issue I am passionate about. It is essential the Highland communities in particular and rural areas everywhere see real benefit from the numerous renewable energy schemes on their doorsteps.”