A SCOTTISH energy policy over-reliant on wind power would become a "foreign aid programme for England", an expert has warned.

Professor Paul Younger, of Glasgow University, said Scotland would need to buy nuclear-generated power from England during peak demand at premium prices.

He spoke out after environmental groups attacked the decision to extend the life of one of Scotland's two nuclear power plants, Hunterston B in Ayrshire.

The Scottish Government backed the extension to 2023, announced by operator EDF energy, but intends to phase out nuclear power after that date.

Mr Younger, professor of energy engineering, said it was "absolutely sensible" to prolong the life of Hunterston B. He said Scotland needed different types of energy generation.

He said: "When you look at countries like Denmark, which have gone all out for wind, Denmark's energy sector is a very expensive foreign aid programme for Germany."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Scotland has huge clean green energy resources and our renewables industry is delivering jobs and investment across Scotland.

"Renewables are also a secure and reliable source of electricity that Ofgem has conceded will be needed to help keep the lights on in England as well as Scotland.

"Our ambition is to deliver the equivalent of at least 100% of gross electricity consumption from renewables including wind, by 2020, as part of a wider, balanced electricity mix.

"Diversity of sources in our energy portfolio makes our energy system more resilient."