Scottish Greens MSP Ariane Burgess has urged developer of controversial Moray FLOW Park project to keep communities informed
The Scottish Greens representative for the Highland and Islands has asked for more details on a proposed major development for the Moray Firth to be shared with local communities.
MSP Ariane Burgess urged Offshore Solutions Group (OSG), the company behind the proposed Moray FLOW-Park, to explain more clearly what the project will look like and how it could affect the Moray coast.
The FLOW-Park, planned by Offshore Solutions Group (OSG), would be the first floating offshore wind logistics hub of its kind in the world. It would provide a place to temporarily anchor large floating wind turbine bases while they are being prepared for use. The site would stretch across two areas in the Moray Firth, between Buckie and Nairn, with Buckie acting as the main port.
However Ms Burgess says that, although the project is being promoted as a key part of Scotland’s renewable energy future, many local people, environmental groups, and fishing communities have raised concerns with her.
These include the lack of early consultation and the possible impact on sensitive coastal areas like Culbin Sands, Findhorn, and Nairn.
“I’ve contacted Offshore Solutions Group to ask for more information about what these large turbine bases will look like in the water. Some are said to be as wide as a football pitch and as tall as a four-storey building. People living nearby deserve to know how this might affect their views, the sea, and their way of life,” she explained.
“This project is still in the early stages, but it’s important that local communities are involved from the beginning. People around the Moray Firth should have a real say in what happens in their area.”
Local concerns include the risk to fishing grounds, harm to marine wildlife, and the effect on tourism in places like Nairn.
Ms Burgess is calling for strong environmental checks, proper public oversight, and a fair share of any economic benefits for local communities.
“Scotland needs clean energy, but we must make sure it’s done in a way that protects nature and supports local people. I’ll keep pushing for answers and for a fair approach to offshore wind development,” she concluded.