Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the announcement that a moratorium will be placed on offshore Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in Scotland.
The announcement by the Scottish Government also included a timetable for an “extensive” research and consultation process into the impacts of onshore unconventional oil and gas exploration.
SNP MSP Mr Stevenson has received hundreds of emails from constituents concerned about the potential for environmental damage by fracking and UCG.
Welcoming the moratorium Stewart Stevenson said:
“Many of my constituents have serious reservations and concerns about the processes involved in fracking and Underground Coal Gasification.
“These are relatively new technologies and it is absolutely right that they should be subject to rigorous analysis and evidence gathering before they can be deemed safe or otherwise.
“The research and consultation timetable set out by the Scottish Government today shows that they are serious about conducting an extensive and thorough examination of the community, environmental and public health impacts.
“I know that this considered approach will be welcomed by the many campaigners locally who have supported a moratorium, and everyone, whatever their views on the issue – will have an opportunity to have their voices heard.”
“These are relatively new technologies and it is absolutely right that they should be subject to rigorous analysis and evidence gathering before they can be deemed safe or otherwise.
“The research and consultation timetable set out by the Scottish Government today shows that they are serious about conducting an extensive and thorough examination of the community, environmental and public health impacts.
“I know that this considered approach will be welcomed by the many campaigners locally who have supported a moratorium, and everyone, whatever their views on the issue – will have an opportunity to have their voices heard.”
