Group behind controversial Moray FLOW-Park plans pull out of public meeting over ‘safety concerns’ for staff

This controversial flow park project would see huge floating foundations temporarily anchored at two five-mile-long stretches along the Moray Firth during construction or bad weather, an area roughly equivalent to 5,600 football pitches.

Earlier this month, Buckie-based MSP Tim Eagle announced he was organising a public meeting for Moray residents to voice their concerns on Tuesday in Forres Town Hall. However, the meeting gained so much public interest from concerned members of the public that it was upgraded to the Universal Hall in Findhorn - a venue which can accommodate up to 400 people.

Senior representatives of the developer Offshore Solutions Group (OSG), which is behind the plans, including its chief executive Will Rowley, were meant to attend the event to answer questions from the public.

However, the group has said it has “received threats” from Moray residents. The firm said it had come to the decision not to attend the meeting following “social media content” and “direct communication” from residents.

Mr Eagle described this decision as “insulting” towards the residents of Moray. He said the meeting will still be taking place at the hall on Tuesday as planned.

He said: “Threats towards anyone are unacceptable but these concerns were raised with me weeks ago by OSG who at that point, said they were still attending.

Developers asked for police to attend public meeting amid safety concerns

“As per their request, they asked for police to attend which had been confirmed with officers, but I did not believe there was any risk to anyone.

“I worry this last-minute decision is an excuse for avoiding questioning from communities who have valid concerns about these proposals.”

Mr Eagle added that he did “everything he could” to ensure their demands were met so residents could have the chance to ask vital questions about a development which they believe “puts their livelihoods at risk”.

MSP claims decision is ‘insulting’ to local Moray residents

“For the company to now insinuate that someone in Moray might put the safety of its staff in jeopardy is extremely disappointing and, in my opinion, insulting to local people,” he added.

“Offshore Solutions Group has a responsibility to hold adequate consultations with those affected, especially given this project was hidden from the public eye for so long.

“Communities along the Moray Firth and beyond have a right to be heard and I will do everything to make sure this happens.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Offshore Solutions Group said: “Under advisement, Offshore Solutions Group has made the difficult decision not to attend the Moray FLOW-Park public meeting, arranged by Tim Eagle MSP, on November 11.

Police contacted after ‘significant concerns’ over safety of OSG representatives

“Whilst we are always open to engagement with all stakeholders, social media content, direct communications and activities relating to the proposed project have raised significant concerns regarding this public meeting and the safety of Offshore Solutions Group representatives. These concerns have been logged with Police Scotland.

“A formal public consultation process forms part of the Moray FLOW-Park’s Environmental Impact Assessment and will commence in 2026, with due public notice provided, fully in line with the established regulated process.”

They said the project is “at an early stage”, though added: “We are working closely alongside environmental and maritime regulators, and a full Environmental Impact Assessment, which goes beyond minimum recommendations, is being conducted by an appointed Environmental Consultant. This includes fish, marine mammals and benthic sea life, amongst many other aspects.”