The Scottish Energy Minister has hit out at the UK Government over its decision to close the Renewables Obligation early.

Minister Fergus Ewing said the decision will have a "negative impact on the renewables industry in Scotland".

Mr Ewing, who is in London to attend the Global Offshore Wind 2015 conference, said: "The decision taken by the UK Government to close the Renewables Obligation early for the onshore wind sector will have a negative impact on the renewables industry in Scotland and potentially on the thousands of people who work in it.

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"The Scottish Government has been clear that onshore wind should be able to compete with other technologies through the 'contracts for difference' auction. To prevent the cheapest technologies from competing in the auction will not deliver the best price for the consumer and I have asked UK Government to provide clarity on this issue which is causing anxiety to the industry."

Mr Ewing also invited the UK Energy Secretary Amber Rudd to meet with developers and communities who have invested significant amounts of money in renewables schemes.

(CD)