Number of Scots backing wind power increases

New poll shows number of Scots backing wind power has risen 10% in last two years —- Public support has increased as more wind development has taken place.

More than seven in ten Scottish adults (71%) polled last month (February 2015) said they supported the continued development of wind power as part of our energy mix, compared to 64% in February 2013.

The independent survey conducted by YouGov, and commissioned for industry body Scottish Renewables, comes as figures reveal the capacity of onshore wind in Scotland rose by 20% in the same time period.

Joss Blamire, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said: “These poll results highlight once again that not only do the vast majority of Scots support wind power, but the number who do is actually increasing.

“The wind energy sector is thriving in Scotland, providing jobs, investment and helping to tackle climate change – and these figures show it’s doing all of this with the Scottish public right behind it.

“We are often told by a vocal minority of objectors that Scots don’t like wind power, but this poll shows there is absolutely no evidence to support this – in fact, quite the opposite.”

Support for wind power was highest among young Scots, with 81% of those aged 18-24 backing the continued development of the technology. That figure was lowest among those aged 55+, but still stands at almost two-thirds (65%).