A planning charity is to run a series of workshops to explore the benefits the offshore renewable sector can have for communities across Scotland.

The initial workshop has already been held in Edinburgh on Friday, during which Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) brought together experts from renewable and environmental sectors.

Scotland has an estimated 25% of Europe’s total offshore wind, with tidal energy set to become Scotland’s next industrial revolution.

The renewables sector predicts it could attract billions of pounds of investment and create tens of thousands of highly skilled and sustainable jobs.

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The workshops will seek to encourage communities and young people to consider the impacts of offshore energy and how they can get involved in the development of onshore opportunities.

PAS will engage with young people and communities in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Moray.

PAS Chief Executive Petra Biberbach, said: "This new initiative is about understanding the context of offshore energy, learning about the different parts and exploring what it means for people and for our towns and cities.

"The planning system is all about balancing often competing demands and this will continue to be the case as offshore renewables play an increasingly important role. PAS helps people to engage more effectively with decision-making and is uniquely placed as it has a non-campaigning role, is independent and impartial."

PAS will also explore questions regarding land and energy use with primary and secondary pupils and help them engage with their local environment and develop ideas for the future through interactive methods.

Public debates will also be held to encourage members of the community to think about how they can play a part in shaping the decisions made about their local community and environment.

(IT)