MOST people in Scotland want to see the country rely on renewables for its long-term energy needs, according to a new study. 

The Survation poll, commissioned by renewable energy company GreenPower, found that 55 per cent of more than 2,000 respondents believe energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro should form the bedrock of energy supply. 

The figure stands in stark contrast to 17 per cent who support fossil fuels in that role, and 14 per cent who back nuclear power. 

It also comes as the debate on energy heats up in the final weeks of the Holyrood campaign. 

Both Labour-Lib Dem and SNP administrations have used the planning system to block new nuclear since devolution, displaying a scepticism about the industry also reflected in the poll, with just 12 per cent trusting energy firms to “tell the truth” on costs, pollution and safety, compared with 17 per cent for fossil fuels and 33 per cent for renewables. 

The SNP has pledged to continue that moratorium alongside a “case-by-case” view on new North Sea drilling. 

SNP energy spokesman Graham Leadbitter said: “Scottish families are being hammered with the highest bills in Europe while Keir Starmer’s tax hikes destroy thousands of Scottish energy jobs and put our renewables future at risk. 

“The SNP is the only party standing up for the jobs in Scotland’s oil and gas sector and a just transition to renewables.” 

Pete Roche of the Scottish Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menace said: “The poll demonstrates that Scots are not as gullible as the lobbyists and pro-nuclear political parties seem to think. 

“A renewable energy future is not only possible, but is the most supported and most trusted sector by far. 

“Relying on a uranium-fuelled nuclear future is like jumping out of the oil and gas frying pan and into a nuclear fire – it makes no sense and Scots seem to get that.” 

But Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie was not one of those Scots, arguing: “Renewable energy and nuclear energy are not in competition – they can work hand-in-hand to cut emissions, strengthen our energy security and create jobs. 

“Only Scottish Labour has a real plan to make Scotland a true clean energy superpower and deliver opportunities, investment and energy security across the country.”