McArthur calls for urgent support for Pelamis Wave Power

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has questioned energy minister, Fergus Ewing MSP, on what action the Scottish Government is taking regarding wave energy company Pelamis going into administration.

At Holyrood this afternoon, Mr McArthur highlighted the leading role played by Pelamis in the development of wave energy and the serious risk of jobs, expertise and value being lost to Scotland if urgent action is not taken by government and its agencies.

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said that despite being pressed, the minister gave no firm undertaking about the support available to Pelamis.

“This is disappointing,” he said, “particularly for the employees directly affected as well as the wider sector.”

“Mr Ewing has shown himself to be a strong supporter of marine renewables and reiterated that again today.  He must realise, however, that any delay in preparing a safe landing for Pelamis risks seeing the company disintegrate in mid-air”.