August 10, 2011
Scotland

Wind farm blow for Alex Salmond as he is accused of ignoring public opinion

Daily Record, www.dailyrecord.co.uk 10 August 2011

Alex Salmond was jeered yesterday over plans to install wind turbines in one of Scotland’s most scenic areas.

He was accused of ignoring public opinion after the audience at a public meeting turned on him.

A witness said the crowd of 200 people “erupted in laughter” when Salmond defended the plans by saying wind power was “free”.

The reaction in Stranraer, Wigtownshire, was a blow to the First Minister, who has vowed to make Scotland a leader in green energy.

Labour MP for Dumfries and Galloway Russell Brown said: “The SNP were left pretty embarrassed after the First Minister was heckled.

“Alex Salmond once again brushed aside the concerns people have that we are sleepwalking into our region being carpeted in wind turbines.”

A spokesman for the First Minister said: “Mr Brown is talking nonsense – he wasn’t even at the meeting.

“Whether they agree or disagree with the government, local people appreciate the opportunity to discuss issues with the full Cabinet.”