Green MSP calls for state energy company to be based in Highlands and Islands

Green MSP John Finnie has called on the Scottish Government to base their new Publicly Owned Energy Company in the Highlands and Islands.

The First Minister outlined plans for a public owned energy company in October last year and Mr Finnie has said the company should be based in the region, which he believes will become the engine room of Scotland’s green economy. He has now written to the Scottish Government urging them to base their new company in the Highlands and Islands.

“The Highlands and Islands has the potential to become the engine room of Scotland’s sustainable future, yet suffers from some of the highest rates of fuel poverty,” he said.

“It is my hope that communities in the region are able to share in the benefits of the sustainable energy produced in their area and enjoy the benefits that will come with a move to a publicly owned, renewable powered energy company. There are many excellent sites across the region which would make an excellent home for the new company and allow the area to capitalise on the abundance of skilled jobs which can be created in Scotland’s new economy.”