At 79%, nearly eight in ten people are more likely to support offshore wind farms away from important wildlife sites, according to the poll.

The poll also found that 60% think the deadly wind farm Berwick Bank should only go ahead if its effects are significantly decreased. 

While there is firm support for renewable energy, people overwhelmingly expect offshore wind developments to protect wildlife like seabirds, the poll found.

RSPB Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to effectively balance the ambitions for offshore wind expansion with Scotland’s responsibilities as one of the most important places for seabirds, internationally.

At 76%, more than three-quarters of respondents agreed that offshore wind farms should only be built in places where they do not harm nature.

A total of 57% said they were concerned about the possible effect of offshore wind on protected seabirds such as puffins.

Meanwhile, at 79%, nearly eight in ten said they would be more likely to support offshore wind developments situated away from key wildlife sites.

The poll also found that 86% believe developers should be required to fund measures that safeguard species affected if developments cause seabird deaths.
  
Additionally, it found that 78% would be more likely to support developments using technology designed to decrease effects on seabirds and marine wildlife.

What’s more, 78% support substantial financial compensation in cases where projects harm protected wildlife.

Public attitudes on Berwick Bank, a controversial offshore wind farm planned off Scotland’s east coast, were also examined as part of the research.

Scottish Government scientists have predicted that the project will kill thousands of protected seabirds in its first year alone, because of its closeness to globally significant seabird sites.

Six out of ten respondents said Berwick Bank should only be delivered if its effect on wildlife and nature can be significantly lowered.

The survey is nationally representative of 1,175 people in Scotland.

Only 14% said Berwick Bank should go ahead because the renewable energy advantage is more important than its impacts on nature.

Aedan Smith, head of Policy and Advocacy for RSPB Scotland, said: “These results show people across Scotland support renewable energy, but not at the expense of our most important wildlife.  

“We’re currently witnessing a rapid expansion of offshore wind in Scotland, with seabirds paying the price and nowhere near enough investment to ensure their protection and recovery.”

Smith added: “This polling shows there’s widespread support for a balanced approach, delivering renewable energy while protecting the wildlife that helps make Scotland so special. It’s now up [to] the Scottish Government to make that a reality.”  

This survey arrives ahead of the anticipated publication of the Scottish Government’s Sectoral Marine Plan, which will aim to find sustainable options for the development of offshore wind energy in the future in Scotland.