North communities need more than 'hype' on renewables, says Jamie Stone
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Highland communities will need more than just "hype" and "rosy words" if they are to gain maximum benefit from growth in the renewable energy sector, Jamie Stone has warned.
A new report from Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute has calculated that more than 42,000 jobs in Scotland are supported by the renewable industry and its supply chain.
The findings were welcomed by Scottish Renewables, which described green energy as "the biggest economic opportunity we have in Scotland".
However, Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, suggested the trade body's positive reaction should be accompanied by a "health warning".
He insisted that renewable developers such as offshore wind companies should "put their money where their mouth is and spend locally".
He said: “As someone who worked in oil and oil fabrication at Sullom Voe, Kishorn and Nigg, I know just how beneficial that industry was to the local areas involved.
“Today, and for today’s generation starting their working lives, there can be no doubt that the renewables industry has similar potential to provide suitable employment.
“But, against the background of the sort of statement coming from Scottish Renewables, there has to be a health warning. There is a huge difference between hype full of rosy words and actually delivering the jobs on the ground.
“Almost 20 years ago, Alex Salmond boasted of the Pentland Firth becoming the Saudi Arabia of renewable power. Today, we are still waiting.
“What has to happen is that the companies involved in offshore renewable energy must put their money where their mouth is and spend locally, both in terms of goods and services and employment.
“If it was to be the case that the likes of Nigg and our harbours and ports merely become transit points for structures manufactured far away and on their way to their sea locations then this would not be good enough.
“I remember when the Nigg yard first opened in the 1970s. Those were the glory days. The US firm involved, Brown & Root, spent large sums locally in Easter Ross. They bought cars locally, they used accommodation locally, and everything else that supported the Nigg yard in the early days.
"Most importantly, they employed people like me – locals. It was a life-changer for all of us. It could happen again, but all politicians must make sure it actually does.”
Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, highlighted the need for north communities to "reap the benefits" of increased renewable energy generation.
She described the report as "very encouraging", particularly for her constituency and the wider Highlands.
Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “The renewable energy industry is the biggest economic opportunity we have in Scotland so it is really encouraging to see the Fraser of Allander Institute’s report reflect the positive impact our sector is having on jobs and economic output."
