Investigation finds wealthy landowners reap millions from subsidized Scottish wind farms while communities get far less
By
Louis Boyd-Madsen
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
An investigative report reveals that wealthy landowners—including a Swedish aristocrat, a former prime minister's family, and a Tory donor—are earning millions in rent from Scottish wind farms that are subsidized through public energy bills. The investigation found that the financial benefits of Scotland's renewable energy transition are flowing disproportionately to descendants of landed gentry, investment firms, and multimillionaires, with landowner payments often far exceeding the compensation given to local communities.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledWealthy landowners including a Swedish aristocrat, the family of a former prime minister and a Tory donor are earning millions in rent from wind farms which are subsidised by the public's energy bills, The Ferret can reveal.
Our latest investigation found the financial rewards of Scotland's energy transition are being unevenly distributed through land ownership – flowing to the descendants of Scotland's landed gentry, investment firms, and multimillionaires.
The money earned by landowners often dwarfs the payments that wind farm developers make to local communities.
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