Tories propose Scots court for environment

Scotland should get its own environmental court after Brexit to deal with issues including pollution and wind farm objections, the Scottish Conservatives have said.

The court would replace judgements handed out by the EU, and act as a distinct authority in Scotland in a similar way to the Scottish Land Court. Tory environment spokesman Donald Cameron MSP said it could make it easier to appeal against wind energy developments and ensure issues are examined by specialists.

“When a group wants to appeal a major wind farm decision taken by the Scottish Government, or a village wants to stop pollution of a local river, the pathway to actually doing this is often complex,” he said.

“We’re forever hearing of the challenges Brexit will pose – well, this is an opportunity once Britain leaves the EU for Scotland to lead the way when it comes to environmental justice.”

Meanwhile, a Fife fruit and vegetable producer, Milton of Blebo, said it was forced to let a year’s supply of broccoli for 15,000 people rot in the fields because a 15 per cent fall in EU labour meant it couldn’t be harvested.