The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
SNP’s lack of acumen costs Scotland renewable energy jobs
Sir, – I read Dick Winchester’s response (Letters, May 10) to Russell Borthwick’s letter (May 6).
A very full, technical and in my view an accurate portrayal of the current frustrating situation in lowcarbon renewable energy.
Aker, Maersk, Vattenfall and other Scandinavian companies are streaking ahead with Scottish firms still trying to get on the blocks mired by the SNP’s lack of foresight, business intransigence and ineptitude.
There is to my mind a less esoteric clear marker of the SNP’s lack of business acumen and promotion in this sphere.
I, along with many of my peers, moved into the oil and gas industry in late 1970s/early 1980s during a short period of unprecedented development by large multinationals supported by the UK Government and very enthusiastic, hardworking local authorities. By 1985 a significant proportion of my friends, family and colleagues were in long-term employment and building great careers.
Compare this with the current renewable sector, particularly now transitioning is regarded as so urgent. Alex Salmond’s hubris-laden quote of “Scotland the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy” in 2011 is an empty statement.
In the 11 years since the quote, Scotland has provided the licences and sites for renewables, but little else.
Where is the parallel jobs boom for Scots working in renewables? I know not one single person who has a permanent job or career developing within the renewable energy sector in Scotland and I am not alone in this.
No doubt there will be the usual voices blaming or calling for the UK Government to do more, but let’s face it, any positive input from Westminster is likely to be met with indignation and the “not invented here” approach of the SNP.
The renewable energy opportunities are on our doorstep but are being built, installed and run by others including, ironically, Arabian companies.
Scots workers are capable and willing to engage with renewables, but currently let down by the Scottish Government and appear to be thrown only scraps.