Scotland's renewable targets must not be "blown off course" by Trump

The New York-based property baron is opposing plans for 11 wind turbines off the Aberdeenshire coast, near his golf resort on the Menie Estate.

And last week, it was revealed the Trump Corporation had agreed to finance and support an anti-wind farm campaign as it increased its efforts to derail the roll-out of clean, green energy.

But WWF Scotland director Dr Richard Dixon has today called on political leaders to resist Trump's efforts, saying Scotland's energy aims are both needed and achievable.

He added: "Scotland’s renewable energy targets are both deliverable and necessary if we are to reduce climate emissions, create jobs and protect householders from rising energy prices caused by the dwindling availability of fossil fuels.

"Plans by Donald Trump to spend tens of millions pounds holding Scotland back from becoming a cleaner, greener, job creating nation are wrong and should be strongly resisted by all in the Scottish Parliament.

"Along with increased energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies of all kinds will be needed to help Scotland tackle climate change.

"We need the Scottish Parliament not to be blown off course by US billionaires and instead maintain, and even raise, some targets in order to provide the certainty the renewables industry needs to continue to invest."

The environmental group made the call on the final day for submissions to the Scottish Parliament’s Inquiry into the Scottish Government’s Renewable Energy Targets.