SCOTTISH communities would be given the right to own up to 20% of renewables projects in their local area under proposals put forward by the First Minister.

John Swinney also outlined plans to cut the UK’s “nuclear levy” – which adds costs for nuclear projects onto household energy bills – and end “the folly” of constraint payments – which charges consumers for wind farms which have to shut down due to lack of grid capacity.

He argued that the measures could together cut Scottish people’s energy bills by up to one-third – but that they would only be possible with independence.

Speaking in Glasgow on Monday morning at the launch of the SNP ’s energy proposals, Swinney said: “Have no doubt, a policy of low energy costs for Scottish businesses can be as transformational for our countr

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