Scotland ‘will miss out on jobs’

The decision to ban shale extraction in Scotland has signalled the Scottish Government “turning its back on a potential manufacturing and jobs renaissance”, according to Ineos Shale.

Operations director Tom Pickering warned that Scotland will miss out on economic and employment benefits, including an estimated 3,100 jobs.

Mr Pickering said: “The Scottish Government has turned its back on a potential manufacturing and jobs renaissance and lessened Scottish academia’s place in the world by ignoring its findings.

“Today’s decision is a slight on the dedicated professionalism that Scottish workers have pioneered in the North Sea. We lead the world in exploration safety, but I fear we will start to see large numbers of Scottish workers leaving the country to find work as the North Sea oil and gas industry continues to decline.

“It speaks volumes about Scottish leadership on the world stage and sends a clear and negative message to any future investors in Scotland.

“Expert reports have clearly stated that this technology can be applied safely and responsibly – but it will be England that reaps the benefits.”

Ken Cronin, chief executive of UK Onshore Oil and Gas, also voiced disappointment at the decision.

He said: “The Scottish Government ignores the advice of its own independent experts and prefers a future where gas will have to be imported with the damage that will do to the economy and the environment.”