The decision to invite Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson as a speaker at a green energy event has sparked a storm of online protest and derision by Scots renewable supporters.
Davidson, MSP for Edinburgh Central, has been booked by the Scottish Renewables trade association for its flagship awards event being held next month in the capital.
Scores of online comments on the association’s own website have remarked at the contrast between renewable energy issues and the Conservative Party’s policy and track record on green power.
Similar comments have also been posted about EDF – the state-owned French nuclear giant which owns the Scottish nuclear power stations. EDF’s renewable energy division is an award sponsor.
Such is the volume and passion of the (mostly) hostile comments about the decision to invite Davidson, that even the Paul Whitehouse, the Scottish Energy Minister in the SNP-led Scot-Govt has intervened in the row: eg
Paul Wheelhouse MSPVerified account @PaulWheelhouse Oct 7
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Hi! It’s OK, as I get lots of invites from SR to speak at conferences etc., but as an alternate, note Ruth & minions are vocally anti-wind!
Here is a selection of other comments on the SR invite to Davidson:
Leòdhas e Mhathain @massie_lewis Oct 7
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
The leader of the only party at Holyrood that wants fracking & abolished all funding for wind farms presents green energy awards…
Child of Alba @ChildOfAlba Oct 8
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@scotrenew lost all credibility, there.
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
You MUST reconsider this. The party who is against all wind, has slashed solar subsidy, and supports fracking for shale gas? are you mad?
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
What a bizarre choice given Conservative govt damaging policy towards renewables industry. Please explain why.
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
The women who wants fracking and happy to see green energy funding quashed, that’s irony!!!! Piss poor performance
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
This is a parody account, surely? The Scottish Tories & ‘Green’ is the biggest oxymoron out there… Talk about an own goal!
#FREESCOTLAND @RangerRfc1 Oct 7
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
What? This is a Torie party leader who supports fracking , hates wind farms and supports Nuclear power . You seriously are having a laugh .
Citizen Matthews @Rossmatthews86 Oct 7
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
You are joking eh? Her party cut money for renewables and are backing nuclear energy. Ridiculous choice.
guy incognito @mboilblog Oct 8
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
This is like saying the child protection awards will be addressed by Jimmy Saville.
ciorstaidh etheridge @kirsty_etherson Oct 7
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
Hmm, will she talk about early removal of subsidies for renewables by her party or their other efforts to make sure renewables not a success
Hawkhead Tax Payer @HawkheadNimby 33m33 minutes ago
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
Lets boost fracking, why not invite Donald Trump too ???? Looking at the SR board members he would be welcome .
Andy McFadzean @angryandy92 Oct 7
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
The most anti-green party addressing renewables? You’ve got to be kidding!!
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Replying to @ScotRenew
I hope this is a joke, otherwise your credibility is at risk.
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
clik the pic: “key sponsor” is EDF, operators of Hinkley Point B &C nuclear reactors et.al. Nuclear power tries to rebrand itself as “green”
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
Have you no shame?
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
Seriously, a rabid pro-fracker addressing Scottish Renewables, Green Energy Awards. That’s a strong statement of where you’re priorities lie
Colin Buchanan @Colinbuchanan04 Oct 7
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
Are you having a laugh! Tories oppose renewable energy at every opportunity.
brian watters @Brizerwatt1 Oct 7
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Replying to @ScotRenew @RuthDavidsonMSP
What an extremely bizarre decision, you know she supports fracking and is pro nuclear and her party is blocking renewable investment ?
For more information: https://twitter.com/ScotRenew/status/916272209886371840
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