Renewed concern

The recent fall from office of the Australian PM, Malcolm Turnbull, based mainly on seeking greater national dependence on renewables

for electricity supplies should signify the same political risks for those in charge in Scotland and the UK as a whole.

The Antipodean experiences of rocketing power prices, electricity blackouts – especially in South Australia – and inadequate electricity supplies unless the wind speed is just right and the sun shines consistently, are a foretaste of what we could expect as the broken reed of renewables show their complete inadequacy for modern life. No saving in greenhouse gas emissions or longterm local jobs compensate for their costs. The money goes to the developers, foreign manufacturers and landowners.

The £1.2 billion cost of the turbine array proposed offshore from Angus, with, for sure, short hardware lifespan, maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns, could be much better used instead to better our health, defence, education and welfare, the prime public responsibilities of politicians.

Any shortfalls in electricity supply must be made up by means more practical and reliable than can ever be expected now from renewables, which cost us unsupportable environmental and financial damage. Time for those in charge to wake up to these vital truths.

(DR) CHARLES WARDROP Viewlands Road West, Perth