DELIGHT AS PETERHEAD IS NAMED STRATEGIC HUB FOR OFFSHORE RENEWABLES

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson and SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford have welcomed the announcement from Scottish Enterprise that Peterhead is to be one of 11 strategic hubs in Scotland for the maintenance and manufacture of offshore wind turbines.

Peterhead will now receive investment over the next five years to take advantage of expected £15 billion that is expected to be spent on offshore wind turbines in coming years.

The identification of these sites is the first phase of Scotland’s National Renewable Infrastructure Plan, led by Scottish Enterprise (SE) with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“This is excellent news for Peterhead and has the potential to be a real boost to the long term economy of the region. Renewables technology will be an important cornerstone to Scotland’s future economy and it is fantastic that Peterhead will have the chance to be one of the key locations in that development."

SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford said:

“Peterhead’s deep water harbour makes it an ideal location for the offshore renewables industry and this planned investment will help improve the infrastructure that the industry needs, helping to make Peterhead an attractive place for such companies to operate.

“This announcement will help to bring numerous, high quality jobs to Peterhead and is a fantastic boost in these difficult economic times.”