Meeting of the Parliament 05 February 2026 [Draft]
It is essential that communities feel able to engage with our planning and consenting systems. The Scottish Government has recently taken steps to make it easier for communities to participate, but I recognise that more needs to be done. That is why I have tasked officials with taking forward plans to establish a forum to hear directly from communities as the strategic plans that will shape the need for future energy infrastructure are developed.
Separately, members will also be aware of on-going work to refresh the good practice principles for community benefits from onshore renewable energy, including our consultation last year, the results of which we published in October.
I have asked my officials to organise an opportunity for me to engage directly with community representatives on the policy refresh, and I will keep Parliament updated on those plans.