Transition funding welcomed but should not hide lack of planning

Environmental campaigners have reacted to Scottish Government announcement of £8.5million investments from its Just Transition Fund. 

Campaigners welcomed the funding but highlighted how it has been over two years since the public consultation closed on the Government’s Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan in May 2023 with Scottish ministers repeatedly claiming in both public and Parliament it would be published soon.  

Friends of the Earth Scotland oil and gas campaigns manager Rosie Hampton commented, 

“It is welcome to see the Scottish Government putting its money where its mouth is on the transition and the drive to create good green jobs. Workers need investment in green industry and to ensure that there are opportunities for those being treated badly by oil giants who are also rolling back on their weak renewables’ commitments. 

 
“The Scottish Government should be taking ownership of the transition to ensure that renewables are operating in the public interest, that workers have opportunities for fair work here in Scotland and that projects reflect the real needs of the communities in which they are located.  
 


“This funding shouldn’t hide the fact that the Scottish Government appears to have abandoned its Just Transition Plan that was supposed to set out a clear path for North Sea workers to transition to green jobs. Last seen in draft form along with the Energy Strategy in mid 2023, the pathetic excuses from Ministers about its whereabouts are just not cutting it any more.”