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Insider UK
Insider UK
National
Peter A Walker

Committee seeks views on just transition for the north east and Moray

A Holyrood committee is asking the public to share their thoughts on what a just transition for the north east and Moray should look like.

The Economy and Fair Work Committee is seeking views from across the area to understand what support is needed, including areas like public investment, skills development, industry involvement and measuring progress during the transition.

MSPs want to know how public investment, such as the Just Transition Fund, and opportunities like the ScotWind leasing round, can unlock private capital and support Scottish businesses.

As Scotland ends its dependence on oil and gas, the committee also wants to know if stakeholders are confident that new technologies will be able to maintain levels of employment – given the current dominance of the oil and gas sector in the region.

Other areas for the inquiry include how well the public sector is engaging with industry and local communities, support for innovation, and how the transition can be measured.

Committee convener Claire Baker said: “The oil and gas sector supports 65,000 jobs in the north east and Moray, making the just transition here all the more significant.

“The Scottish Government must ensure that there are jobs available for those workers whose industries are transforming, and to make sure workers have the skills and training to take advantage of those opportunities.

“New technologies, and initiatives like ScotWind, have huge potential - Scotland can be a true powerhouse for renewable energy - but none of this can come at the expense of workers and communities.

“Any transition will affect people, communities and businesses, so we want to hear from as many people as possible about what a truly just transition would look like.”

The call for views is open until 26 September. The committee will then begin its inquiry and take evidence from stakeholders this winter.

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