A majority of Scots believe Britain should reject calls from Donald Trump to expand oil and gas drilling and instead prioritise renewable energy, according to new polling.
Research found that 65 per cent of people in Scotland favour focusing on renewables over increasing fossil fuel extraction, while only 35 per cent back expanding drilling.
The findings from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) suggest stronger public support for renewable technologies than for continued reliance on North Sea hydrocarbons.
Half of respondents said Scotland’s energy security would be best protected by boosting domestic renewable generation rather than expanding oil and gas production.
The poll, conducted by More in Common between late January and early March, surveyed 1,007 adults across Scotland.
Support for renewable technologies was consistently higher than for fossil fuels.
Offshore wind attracted the strongest backing at 73 per cent, followed by hydroelectric power at 71 per cent, solar at 66 per cent and onshore wind at 64 per cent.
By comparison, 55 per cent supported North Sea oil and gas extraction.
The majority of Scottish people would prefer a focus on renewables
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GETTY
When asked specifically about energy security priorities, fewer than one in three respondents, 29 per cent, said oil and gas should be the main focus, while 21 per cent were undecided.
Laura Anderson, senior associate at the ECIU, said the findings show clear public backing for renewables.
“Scots clearly don’t agree with President Trump on Scotland’s energy policy, seeing renewables as the way forwards,” she said.
She added that increasing North Sea production would be difficult given long‑term decline in the basin.
Ed Miliband has indicated North Sea drilling wouldn’t make a difference to energy bills
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GETTY“Official figures show more drilling meaning only a slightly slower decline.”
Ms Anderson said expanding renewable energy could help address energy security concerns following recent volatility in global gas markets.
“With Scots facing the possibility of two gas price crises in a matter of years, more renewables can help reduce gas dependence and stabilise prices for homes and industry,” she said.
The survey also explored how North Sea workers could be supported during the transition to cleaner energy.
More than half of respondents, 53 per cent, said expanding renewable industries would create opportunities for workers to move into new roles, while 14 per cent said financial support should be offered to help workers retrain.
Gillian Martin said Scotland has significant potential to expand renewable energy production.
“Scotland’s innovation, expertise and vast renewable energy resources will not only benefit the planet, but deliver new economic opportunities and new jobs for households and communities across the country,” she said.
She added that the Scottish Government supports a “parallel track” approach, managing existing North Sea production while renewable capacity continues to grow.