MSP Douglas Ross to press SNP ministers on Moray Firth FLOW-Park plans

SNP ministers are set to face fresh pressure at Holyrood this week over over controversial plans for a Floating Wind Operations and Maintenance (FLOW) Park in the Moray Firth.

MSP Douglas Ross will raise the issue during portfolio question time on Thursday, pressing ministers on how they will respond to what he calls “huge and ever-growing opposition” to the development.

The development would see the bases of offshore wind turbines temporarily stored in the FLOW-Park, but the proposals have provoked anger among local residents, fishermen, and coastal communities.

Mr Ross said it was “shocking” that those living and working along the Moray coast felt ignored over the project, with nearly 2,000 people signing a petition calling for it to be scrapped.

The petition has now exceeded 4,000 signatures.

He said: “All too often local communities including those in Moray and the Highlands are being ignored in relation to work surrounding energy projects and it is shocking that fishermen and those living here feel like their voices are being silenced.”

Mr Ross praised fellow Highlands and Islands MSP Tim Eagle, who has organised a public meeting on November 11 at Forres Town Hall where residents will be able to question representatives from Offshore Solutions Group, the company behind the project.

He added that “there will be no hiding place” for the company, and they will be “held to account by local people.”

However, Mr Ross insisted that ministers “cannot pass the buck” and must ensure that community voices are properly heard.

“I will be raising their concerns directly with ministers in Parliament later this week to find out if they will ensure these voices will be heard as the plans are considered.”

Mr Ross said the forthcoming meeting in Forres would be a chance for the developers to face public scrutiny, but added that Scottish ministers also had a duty to listen.

“This development would ruin the area and I will be opposing it as strongly as possible and I hope Scottish Ministers accept the huge opposition and do the same.”