Dunfermline and West Fife could miss out on investment, skills and jobs as a result of the knock down sale of offshore wind leases, according to a local Councillor.
Cllr. Graeme Downie, Scottish Labour Councillor for West Fife and Coastal Villages, said estimates that less than a third of contracts for the offshore wind sites could be awarded to Scotland, would represent a huge missed opportunity for places like Dunfermline, Rosyth and Longannet.
According to analysis by the think tank, Common Weal, as much as 71% of the manufacturing spend on ScotWind will end up outwith Scotland (https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/homenews/23300089.scotwind-scotland-faces-loss-60bn-new-offshore-wind-farms/)
Cllr. Downie said there were questions to answer, not only about the price for the leases themselves but also conditions that could have guaranteed more local jobs and investment.
Commenting, Cllr. Downie said:
“We know renewable energy is critical to our future and that the electrical, engineering and manufacturing expertise it requires could be vital for growing the economy of Dunfermline and West Fife.”
“As Scotland’s newest city, Dunfermline has the potential to attract worldwide investment, particularly in manufacturing where there is such skills and experience across the area.”
“It would be regrettable if another opportunity had been missed because the SNP Scottish Government sold offshore wind licences on the cheap, without guarantees thay would help the local economies of places like West Fife.”
“Dunfermline and West Fife needs change and a proper vision so these opportunities are not missed, not more of the same empty promises never delivered that we’ve seen for the last 15 years.”
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