Could fracking become inevitable?

The arrival of shale gas from America, in appropriately stormy waters, has brought the issue of this country’s use of fossil fuels firmly into the spotlight. Scotland has an enviable record in producing and using renewable energy.

But it is not enough to fuel an ever-power-hungrier nation continuously and, therefore, alternatives must be sought.

The products of US fracking will now enable the Grangemouth refinery to operate fully, supporting its vital activities and safeguarding 10,000 jobs.

The Atlantic transfer chain bringing the gas to Scotland is expensive and complicated. Naturally, operators Ineos would rather source local gas, prompting calls for fracking to be allowed in Scotland.

So far, the Scottish Government has shied away from allowing this although, significantly, it has not ruled it out completely.

A moratorium is in place while evidence is unearthed and sifted through.

Opponents are determined to stop the activity before it begins, pointing out the huge environmental damage it has caused in the US.

North Sea oil is running out and the last coal-fired power station closed when Longannet ceased operations earlier this year. Renewables can only stretch so far.

Either we drastically alter our energy-consuming habits or unpalatable choices will have to be made.