MSP backs river hydro power plan

Canoeists are opposing the plan

Plans for a hydro electric scheme on one of the country's top white water rivers being opposed by canoeists have won the backing of the local MSP.

Energy firm Npower Renewables believes the River Braan scheme in Perthshire could generate enough electricity to power more than 2,000 homes a year.

Sportsmen claim water levels on the river near Dunkeld would drop and drastically cut canoeing days.

North Tayside MSP John Swinney said the project was a positive development.

Final say

He has now urged Perth and Kinross Council to back the scheme.

The Scottish Canoe Association also claims that the scheme may pose a safety risk to canoeists.

But Nationalist MSP Mr Swinney said: "The River Braan is a river that I would consider to be ideally suited for hydro project activity, due to the large river flows and the substantial throughput of water.

"I think this is a project that will make a substantial contribution to the generation of renewable energy in Perthshire."

The Scottish Executive will have the final say on whether the scheme gets the go-ahead.