The Scottish Government is inviting views from the public on the future of unconventional oil and gas in Scotland.
That includes fracking and coal bed methane extraction.
It follows a moratorium on unconventional oil and gas development in the country in January 2015.
Dubbed Talking “Fracking”, the consultation will run until 31st May.
A dedicated website has been created for the duration of the consultation that will provide information on unconventional oil and gas and the findings of research commissioned by the government.
Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Minister Wheelhouse said: “The debate on the future of unconventional oil and gas in Scotland has proven both complex and controversial.
“The Scottish Government has sought to present impartial independent information on unconventional oil and gas in order to encourage informed dialogue and debate. This consultation does not set out or advocate a preferred Scottish Government position or policy. Instead, we want to create space for dialogue and allow different perspectives to come forward.”
Last November the Scottish Government confirmed it will not support underground coal gasification (UCG) developments.
