Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 26 October 2017
26 Oct 2017 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Hydro Nation
Scotland’s vast water resource is not something that we have only recently come to recognise and nor is exploiting it a recent phenomenon. Against that historical backdrop there is an opportunity to adapt the innovation and technology of hundreds of years ago in order to meet modern demand and play a part in green energy generation.
Perth College, as part of the University of the Highlands and Islands has undertaken research to ascertain the number of historical small-scale hydro sites in north-east and central Scotland, which are predominantly old water mills. The work was carried out in collaboration with four local authorities: Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife, and Perth and Kinross. The aim was to restore micro-hydro schemes for modern use. In my constituency, the location identified as having the greatest potential is the picturesque Barry mill. Powered by the Barry burn, the mill is a category A listed building that is owned and operated by the National Trust for Scotland. Barry mill, which goes back to the time of Mary Queen of Scots—therefore trumping Bruce Crawford’s Victorian example—is without doubt one of the greatest historical treasures in my constituency.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame)
SNP
The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-08378, in the name of Roseanna Cunningham, on the hydro nation: maximising the abundant benefits of our w...
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (Roseanna Cunningham)
SNP
As we all know, water is life. It is a vital part of Scotland’s natural capital that underpins everything that we do. Our economy, environment, health and we...
Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I am delighted to open for the Scottish Conservatives in this important debate on Scotland’s water. Living about an hour away from Dalness in beautiful Glen ...
Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)
SNP
I have a question that perhaps one of Mr Cameron’s colleagues can answer in their speech. The first part of the amendment talks about the recovery of phospho...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
There is a technical question for you, Mr Cameron. Do you have the answer?
Donald Cameron
Con
It is certainly an environmental point, if I can put it like that. Maurice Golden will go on to deal with the question—that is a hospital pass, if ever there...
Claudia Beamish (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I welcome the hydro nation update report. Our dramatic coastlines, glistening lochs, powerful rivers and peaceful canals are important to Scotland at a funda...
Maurice Golden (West Scotland) (Con)
Con
Will the member take an intervention?
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
The member is just closing.
Claudia Beamish
Lab
Sorry?
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I said that you are just closing. I have given you a little bit of extra time, but I will give you another 30 seconds.
Claudia Beamish
Lab
Thank you. We will support the Scottish Government motion. I move amendment S5M-08378.3, to insert at end: “reiterates the importance the Hydro Nation’s s...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
We move to the open debate, with speeches of four minutes or thereabouts. There is a little bit of time in hand for interventions and members will get back t...
Bruce Crawford (Stirling) (SNP)
SNP
The Scottish Government’s ambition to build the nation of Scotland into a truly hydro nation is an inspiring approach to utilising our country’s world-renown...
Bruce Crawford
SNP
The national park is home to 44 approved hydro schemes, of which 35 are in operation. The total output is 21.7MW, which is enough to power a staggering 15,40...
Claudia Beamish
Lab
Will the member take an intervention?
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
You can, Mr Crawford, but you are staggering into your last minute.
Bruce Crawford
SNP
I will.
Claudia Beamish
Lab
My understanding from the community groups was that the business rates have been increased, so I will follow that up. I thank the member for making that point.
Bruce Crawford
SNP
I have shared a taste of what is happening in my constituency about our relationship with water and what can be taken to other parts of our country and aroun...
Peter Chapman (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests in relation to farming. I thank those members whose opening speeches have highlighted the ...
Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)
SNP
In our living room at home, a large paraffin lamp sits to the right of the fireplace. The lamp is relevant to the debate because it is the lamp by which my w...
Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab)
Lab
I welcome the opportunity to speak in the debate, particularly because I have hydro schemes in my constituency, which contribute a great deal to the local ec...
Maree Todd (Highlands and Islands) (SNP)
SNP
I have said before that climate change is one of the defining issues of our age and, in the Highlands and Islands, loads of great work is being done to enabl...
Mark Ruskell (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green)
Green
I welcome the hydro nation debate. It has been particularly heartening to hear about the international development work that has been taking place. I went to...
Liam McArthur (Orkney Islands) (LD)
LD
In four minutes, it is difficult to do justice to a topic of this magnitude. I was tempted to donate my four minutes to Bruce Crawford, if only to find out h...
Ben Macpherson (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP)
SNP
I am glad to support the Scottish Government’s commitment to making Scotland a hydro nation. Water is fundamental to Scotland’s economy, health, social wellb...
John Scott (Ayr) (Con)
Con
I declare an interest as a 100 per cent shareholder in Water Distribution and Energy Services Ltd, which, although registered, is not trading. I welcome thi...
Graeme Dey (Angus South) (SNP)
SNP
Scotland’s vast water resource is not something that we have only recently come to recognise and nor is exploiting it a recent phenomenon. Against that histo...
Bruce Crawford
SNP
Liam McArthur is probably able to trump everyone. From what I understand, Skara Brae has the oldest existing water supply, which dates from 3,000 BC and inco...