This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Roadshow scotches renewable energy myths
15/08/2005
The benefits that renewable energy brings to Scotland will be highlighted by a new tour which will take in the length and breadth of the country.
'It's Only Natural' will seek to remove some of the public's misunderstandings of renewables over the course of a 16 week tour.
Launching the tour in Inverness, Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to combating the effects of climate change and to making sure we get clear benefits for the economy in the process.
"Renewable energy has a crucial role to play in achieving this aim and that is why we have set the target that 18 per cent of Scotland's electricity should come from renewable energy by 2010 and 40 per cent by 2020.
"We are committed to achieving our targets through a range of renewable technologies - on and off shore wind, biomass, wave and tidal and micro renewables.
"However, it's also vital to ensure that the public are fully aware of all the issues that surround these policies - the benefits that more renewable energy will bring, and how a potential project can impact on your area.
"The 2003 study 'Public Attitudes to Windfarms' Has shown that the public are broadly in favour of renewable energy. We absolutely welcome a debate, but it must be an informed debate.
"The roadshow has info packs, booklets and interactive quizzes for the public to view and enjoy and local people will be on hand to answer questions.
"We need to make the most of Scotland's potential to lead the world in renewable energy and we are determined to create an environmentally sustainable country for future generations.
"With the public's help, I am certain we can deliver."
The roadshow will remain at Falcon Square in Inverness for three days and will then call at:
AUGUST
19-20 Fort William
24-25 Oban Highland Games
29-30 Lerwick Commercial Road
SEPTEMBER
1-2 Kirkwall Broad St
6-7 Thurso Outside Town Hall
8-9 Wick High St
13-14 Elgin Plainstones
16-17 Stornoway
22 Arbroath Applegate
23-24 Dundee Overgate
27-28 Perth
29-30 Dunfermline Louise Carnegie Gates
OCTOBER
1-2 Falkirk High St Band Stand
6-8 Edinburgh
11 Hamilton Top Cross (Town Sq)
12 East Kilbride Ballerup Car Park
13-14 Glasgow George Square
17-18 Paisley County Square
19-20 Greenock Cathcart Square
21-22 Ayr Burns Statue Square
27-29 Dumfries Fountain Area
NOVEMBER
2 Galashiels Market Square
3 Hawick Common Hough
4 Duns Market Square
8-9 St Andrews
10-11 Stirling Thistle Centre
15-16 Tarbert
18-19 Portree
23-24 Ullapool Latherton Car Park
28-29 Banff
30 Nov - 2 Dec Aberdeen Castle Gate