Almost £2 million of taxpayers’ money from the Scottish Government has been pledged to fast-track the controversial Moray FLOW-Park.
The bombshell revelation was confirmed by Scottish Enterprise, which has offered Offshore Solutions Group (OSG) £1.8 million to develop the plans to build floating platforms along the Moray Firth.
Buckie-based MSP Tim Eagle, who held a public meeting on the project earlier this month which was attended by more than 600 people, described the funding to OSG as “scandalous”.
Despite widespread concerns about the proposals which have not yet been lodged, around £840,000 of the funding pot has already been paid to OSG for the project.
The Scottish Government’s national economic development agency said the money was awarded to highlight the “importance of pace of this activity”.
Scottish Enterprise claimed the cash will help develop designs and assist with the consultation process while fast tracking the development to meet the needs of the offshore wind market.
Buckie-based MSP and Scottish Conservative fishing spokesman, Tim Eagle, said: “It’s scandalous that Scottish Enterprise has awarded this eye-watering sum of money for such a controversial project.
“Given the widespread concern and anger about Moray FLOW-Park, it’s hard to accept that taxpayers’ money has been given to OSG.
“This is a blatant attempt to railroad this project through planning to meet the Scottish Government’s offshore wind targets.
“Local people have warned that these proposals could threaten our vibrant tourist offering, harm our wonderful marine life, damage our fishermen’s livelihoods, and hurt areas of conservation.
“It’s a massive revelation that all this time, funding has been coming out of the public purse from the Scottish Government.
“I’m astounded this has been allowed to happen and I will now be raising this issue in the Scottish Parliament as a matter of urgency.”
In its response, Scottish Enterprise said: “Recognising the importance of pace of this activity – and the critical risk to the floating offshore wind sector in Scotland of temporary storage not being in place when required – Scottish Enterprise held discussions with OSG to consider what support, if any, could be offered to progress the project.
“Following analysis of the business plan for the project, a grant offer of support up to £1.83 million was made to OSG. As is usual with Scottish Enterprise grant awards, payments are linked to the achievement of key milestones, ensuring the appropriate use of public funds.
“To date, funding of £838,014 has been paid to OSG towards the project.”
