Wind farm jobs

Our company, Burntisland Fabrications Ltd, as a tier one supplier, has a clear interest in the successful development of Scotland’s offshore wind sector.

We need to make long-term investments that in turn will allow us the opportunity to reduce costs and remain competitive, based on a strong pipeline of projects like the four planned for the Forth and Tay estuaries.

The decision of the Court of Session last week to overturn the planning consent for these projects is particularly disappointing. We have invested in Scotland in good faith, taking the Scottish Government at its word that they had the capacity and appetite to deliver largescale offshore renewables. It is for these reason that Bifab has invested in apprenticeship training schemes and facilities, securing the skills base for the next ten to 20 years.

As key members of the local supply chain for projects of this type, we have done our part in creating a strong supply chain that can meet clients’ demands at a time when the oil and gas sector is struggling. Offshore projects like these are vitally important to the Scottish fabrication industry and to UK steel suppliers like Tata.

I hope the Scottish Government will clearly set out how they will prioritise these projects, and do whatever is necessary to address the issues raised by the Court of Session. Investment in Scotland’s renewables supply chain, and the jobs it will create, cannot wait forever. These projects must be delivered. JOHN G ROBERTSON

Managing director Burntisland Fabrications Ltd