THE Scottish Greens will voice support for small renewable energy projects to be owned by the public or local communities during a campaign event in Edinburgh.

Co-leader Lorna Slater will join fellow Lothian candidate Alison Johnstone at Saughton Park to see the “Archimedes Screw” hydro turbine powered by the Water of Leith.

The 39kW turbine powers two ground-source heat pumps and generates power for buildings and lighting in the public park, making it the UK’s first to be powered solely by renewable energy.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Slater said: “Local, democratic ownership is at the heart of our plans for a green recovery.

“We think councils should be able to have stakes in local energy companies and we want to increase support for local communities to have ownership of their own local renewable energy projects.

“Solar, hydro or wind projects can play a role in cutting Scotland’s emissions as we face the climate emergency with the urgency it needs.

“With only nine years left to show leadership on the climate crisis, we need to empower our communities to act now.”