MP calls for SSE to reveal job plans

Western Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil has called for the developer of a £3 billion North Sea wind farm to provide clarity on the number of Scottish jobs that will be created during construction.

Mr MacNeil said Perth-headquartered SSE Renewables should “share their plans” for local job content for the 103-turbine Seagreen project – particularly for Scottish manufacturing firm Burntisland Fabrications’ facilities.

He also hit out at the developer for allowing turbine jacket manufacturing work to go abroad, in particular to China – as reported by The Press and Journal earlier this month.

The MP accused SSE Renewables of “acting unethically” and ignoring local communities.

He added: “It is in the public interest to know what promises

“Important thatSSEfully communicate theirintentions”

were made... to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy that Seagreen would achieve as part of a successful bid for taxpayer-funded Contracts for Difference.

“It is only right we know which parts of the contract SSE plan to place in Scotland.

“There are shovelready projects and yards waiting to build wind farm jackets which would employ people in Arnish on Lewis and in Fife. It is important that SSE fully communicate their intentions so they can be held accountable.”

A spokeswoman for SSE Renewables, which has a 49% stake in Seagreen, with Total owning 51%, said it was “committed to maximising opportunities throughout the supply chain for Scottish companies and businesses”.