Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 12 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will require Offshore Solutions Group to carry out a full environmental impact assessment for any potential development for which it might seek licences or permissions, involving the proposed marine storage of offshore wind platform bases near inshore areas off (a) Nairn and (b) Findhorn.
I can confirm that Offshore Solutions Group sought a screening opinion from the Scottish Ministers and this is currently undergoing statutory consultation in line with the environmental impact assessment regulations. Following conclusion of the consultation, the Scottish Ministers will determine whether or not an application for the proposed works must be supported by an environmental impact assessment report based on the likelihood of significant effects on the environment. To maintain the integrity of our well-established marine licencing process, it would not be appropriate for Scottish Ministers to comment further on live casework.