60,000 responses to fracking consultation
The Scottish Government has consistently taken a cautious, evidence-led approach to the issue of unconventional oil and gas in Scotland.
As part of that approach an in-depth investigation and consultation was undertaken - the Scottish Government sought expert, independent, scientific advice and ensured that stakeholders and the people of Scotland had the opportunity to participate in the decision making process in an open, inclusive and transparent way.
The consultation which ended in May, received more than 60,000 responses - the second largest response so far to a Scottish Government consultation. Overall, approximately 99 per cent of the responses were opposed to fracking with fewer than one per cent in favour. What was clear from the responses to the consultation, particularly from the areas where fracking could take place, is that communities across Scotland were not convinced that there is a strong enough economic case compared to the disruption they anticipate on matters such as environmental impacts and risks to general health and well-being. It was also clear that the research conducted as part of the investigation does not provide a strong enough basis from which to adequately address those communities’ concerns.
Taking all of this into account and balancing the interests of the environment, the economy, public health and public opinion, I am pleased that earlier this week, the Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, made a statement to the Scottish Parliament confirming that the Scottish Government will not support the development of unconventional oil and gas in Scotland. The next step in the process will be for a debate to take place in the Scottish Parliament which will allow all MSPs to vote on whether or not to support the Scottish Government’s carefully considered and robust position on unconventional oil and gas.
Last month I met with representatives of the Dunblane Community Partnership to discuss a number of local issues including parking, rail and roadworks and the protection of the town’s heritage. The Partnership is made up of Dunblane Community Council, Dunblane Development Trust and Discover Dunblane and is a fantastic example of different community organisations working together to develop the town and support the local community.
As part of the visit I had the opportunity to learn more about the work of Dementia Friendly Dunblane, a newly established group which supports those with dementia and other memory related conditions in Dunblane and the surrounding areas. The group is supported by the Dunblane Community Partnership and the local Rotary Club and has recently launched the Braeport Memory Cafe, a weekly get together enabling those with a memory condition and their carers to meet up socially in a safe and dementia friendly environment. The cafe runs every Wednesday from 2pm in the Braeport Centre and I would encourage those affected by a memory condition to drop in.
The group is also working towards making Dunblane a dementia friendly town and I was delighted to present Bannerman’s Pharmacy with an award for becoming the first accredited dementia friendly business in Dunblane. Achieving the dementia friendly status will help to empower local businesses and shops to encourage people with dementia to keep active in our local communities.
We know that dementia is a growing health concern and the work going on in Dunblane is an encouraging model of a community working together to support those affected by this extremely isolating condition.
The next step in the process will be for a debate to take place in the Scottish Parliament