FM defends China turbine factory talks

Swinney quizzed over security fears

- BY CRAIG MEIGHAN

FIRST Minister John Swinney has defended meeting a Chinese firm to discuss investment in Scotland amid concerns about a threat to national security.

Ming Yang announced plans last week to build the UK's largest wind turbine factory in Ardersier, near Inverness.

The firm said the £1.5billion project could create 1500 jobs.

The UK Government has yet to confirm whether it will allow the project to go ahead.

Speaking during his trip to Malawi, Swinney warned that the renewables industry in Scotland would be "set back" if the proposals are rejected.