The city council are hosting an online event to share proposals for the development of the site adjacent to the former Granton Railway Station this Thursday 27 May at 2-5pm.
Join to find out more about the mixed use development & consultation here:
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/granton…/
Another barrier to space exploration from UK soil was lifted yesterday with spaceports expected to be in operation from next summer.
Developed with the UK Space Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority, new regulations being laid in Parliament today will mean satellites and rockets can launch from UK soil for the first time – with spaceports planned for Cornwall, Wales and Scotland.
Future satellite launches will improve our access to data and communications, and revolutionise services such as satellite navigation and earth observation – enhancing the way we live, work, travel and interact with our planet.
Space exploration has a long history of inspiring us all to consider our impact on the Earth, and access to space is essential as we tackle global environmental issues such as climate change.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This is a pivotal moment for our spaceflight ambitions. Since the start of the spaceflight programme in 2017, we have been clear that we want to be the first country to launch into orbit from Europe.
“The laying of these regulations puts us firmly on track to see the first UK launches take place from 2022, unlocking a new era in commercial spaceflight for all 4 corners of our nation.”
The legislation, laid just 2 weeks before the G7 summit in Cornwall, will come into force this summer and will help propel the development of commercial spaceflight technologies, from traditional rockets to high-altitude balloons and spaceplanes.
In time, we will also start to see new and emerging space activity – including sub-orbital space tourism and eventually new transport systems such as hypersonic flight, which will dramatically reduce aviation travel times.
UK spaceport launches will help create new jobs and offer economic benefits to communities across the country, as well as inspiring the next generation of space scientists.
Not only will this support our thriving space sector, it will also attract companies from around the globe to come to, and benefit from, these commercial opportunities.
Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: “Continuing to grow our launch capability will help bring jobs and economic benefits across the UK. The Space Industry Regulations we’ve tabled today will create a supportive, attractive and safe environment for commercial spaceflight.
“Today marks another crucial milestone that will enable the first launches from British soil in 2022 and make UK commercial spaceflight a reality.”
Volodymyr Levykin, CEO of Edinburgh-based Skyrora said: “Today the UK moved a step closer to offering launch capabilities within the next year, signalling its intent to continue as a global power in the space economy.
“These regulations will help to unlock the huge economic opportunity that is launch in the UK and provide a number of options to get cutting-edge technology into orbit and create new commercial industries.
“Britain has a long heritage in rocket engineering, from Black Arrow 50 years ago, to the talent spread across the globe today, working in space organisations and private companies. With the steps taken today and different space ports being developed, the UK has an opportunity to bring much of that talent back home and inspire the next generation. As an Edinburgh-based company, Skyrora is proud to be helping new generations of engineers gain vital, practical experience on launch vehicles to help shape the future of commercial space.
“Our Skyrora XL three-stage rocket is on track to be ready for launch in 2022, along with our space tug – which can play a pivotal role in efforts to clear space debris and we’re proud that we’ll be ready to offer these capabilities from UK soil.”
A new state-of-the-art research and innovation centre at Heriot-Watt University will be at the forefront of the UK’s ambitions to cut industrial greenhouse gas emissions.
The Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) has received £20m from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to be virtually based at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus.
It will be a world-leading, high-impact research and innovation centre, acting as the national focal point and international gateway for UK industrial decarbonisation.
IDRIC will work closely with the UK’s major industrial clusters to address the challenges of industrial decarbonisation alongside a diverse range of over 140 partners as part of a drive to create the world’s first net-zero emissions industrial cluster by 2040 and four low-carbon clusters by 2030.
It will integrate best use of challenge-led research, transformative innovation, knowledge sharing and nurturing talent.
IDRIC will be headed by award-winning academic and the UKRI’s Industrial Decarbonisation Champion Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer who will drive industrial decarbonisation as part of the UK’s journey to net-zero.
Commenting on the funding for the new centre, she said: “I am delighted to lead IDRIC, the UK research and innovation hub for industrial decarbonisation that will set the foundations for the new industrial clusters of tomorrow.
“The 2020s will be key for the UK to set the pathway to meet its carbon targets and IDRIC will play a key role to accelerate the decarbonisation of industrial clusters.
“Working with the research and innovation community, we will demonstrate our international competitiveness to realise the opportunities offered by economies of scale in decarbonising industrial clusters and driving new business models.”
IDRIC is part of the Industrial Decarbonisation challenge, delivered through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) by UKRI, and part of the commitments set out in the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan for a green revolution.
IDRIC will accelerate the transformation of industrial clusters into world leading low-carbon manufacturing hubs which will attract major inward investment, support job creation and underpin the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions.
This challenge aims to accelerate the cost-effective decarbonisation of industry by developing and deploying low-carbon technologies. It aims to enable the deployment of infrastructure at scale by the mid-2020s. It also aims to boost industry sector jobs, reduce carbon emissions and contribute significantly to the UK Government’s carbon target to reach net zero by 2050.
To kick start the process, six projects across the UK received £8 million in government funding to develop cluster plans to cut carbon emissions from major industrial areas.
£171m were allocated in March to nine green technology projects to undertake engineering and design studies for the rollout of decarbonisation infrastructure, such as carbon capture, usage and storage and hydrogen.
In March 2021, the UK Government also announced a new Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy which sets out the government’s vision for building a competitive, greener future for the manufacturing and construction sector.
As part of the government’s path to net zero by 2050, the measures will create and support 80,000 UK jobs over the next 30 years whilst cutting emissions by two-thirds in just 15 years.
Prof Maroto-Valer said: “We are very excited to work with the cluster plans and deployment projects to stimulate cross learning and strengthen and accelerate the impact of activities across the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge.
“We will co-develop a whole systems approach that integrates engineering, environmental and technical solutions alongside perspectives on economic, behavioural and policy. Together we will deliver long-lasting growth and societal benefits for a green economic recovery.”
Dr Bryony Livesey, Challenge Director for the Industrial Decarbonisation challenge, said: “The introduction of the IDRIC concept shows the commitment to not only fund largescale decarbonisation efforts, but to make sure we continually learn from and adapt to their early results and challenges.
“By enabling the Centre to build evidence on a range of areas from direct costs and emissions to skilled jobs and wider net zero policy, we believe we are creating a more adaptive and responsible path for the UK’s big industry to take to remain at the forefront of a global low-carbon future.”
For further information visit – https://idric.org/
Weber Shandwick, the world’s most award-winning communications company, has joined forces with Kelvin College to recruit three Modern Apprentices.
The firm, which employees a team of 50 consultants, creatives and designers in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, is enjoying a great start to 2021 and has already bolstered its team with five new recruits this year.
Natalie Buxton, Managing Director of Weber Shandwick in Scotland, said: “We believe that the more open, varied and diverse we are as an industry the better the work we will do. So, whether you’re a school/college leaver, returner or interested in a new career, we are looking for smart people from all backgrounds who are restless and want to do impactful work.
“Our aim as a business is to nurture, grow and retain talent. I joined the company as an Account Manager 15 years ago and many of the team here came on board early in their career and have worked up through the ranks to senior positions.
“The apprentices will get the opportunity to work with some of the communications industry’s best talent, not just here in Scotland, but with colleagues across the UK and globally.”
The apprentices will enjoy a combination of formal and on-the-job training and can expect to gain an understanding of strategic planning, creative, media relations and digital strategy across a range of sectors, including consumer, tech and energy.
Apprentices are full-time, paid employees who will earn while they learn and can be based at any of the company’s offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen. The apprentices will receive a Living Wage for a twelve-month contract and will earn a SVQ Level 7 Qualification at the end.
Weber Shandwick has won some of the most prestigious awards in the industry; in 2020 Weber Shandwick was named to Ad Age’s Agency A-List and honoured as PRovoke’s Global Agency of the Decade. The agency was also nominated as one of the Best Places to Work in 2019.
Senior Associate Rebecca Halligan, who joined Weber Shandwick through the apprentice scheme in 2017, said: “Becoming an apprentice at Weber Shandwick was an excellent way to join the world of PR.
“I was allowed the opportunity to develop my skills in the areas I enjoyed and have been able to maximise on my potential since joining the team. From working on big brands since day one, training in offices across Europe, and being welcomed with open arms into the team, Weber Shandwick apprenticeship programme is an unbeatable start to a career in communications.”
Find out more at: https://www.webershandwick.com/work-at-weber/careers/?gh_jid=5260202002&gh_src=90759b712us
RETIREES prove you are never too old to travel as they make their way across the continents sampling different cuisines and experiencing new cultures all from the comfort of their home.
Cramond Residence care home in Edinburgh have been running themed events during lockdown, each one based on a different culture, to continue providing enriching experiences and keep residents entertained.
Each themed event consists of traditional music from the chosen destination, culturally appropriate activities, and a special menu to match. Residents will be took a trip to Italy in April, after visiting India in March and China in February.
Lisa Sohn, Lead Lifestyle Coordinator at Cramond Residence, said: “The residents love our themed events as it gives them a chance to reminisce on their favourite holidays and trips whilst some can experience new cultures of countries they haven’t visited before.
“In our ‘trip’ to Italy, our head chef, Patsy McKenzie (above), will be hosting a master class on pizza making where Residents will be encouraged to make their very own pizzas.
“There will also be games and a presentation on the history and culture throughout the month.”
Since restrictions were reinforced at the beginning of the year, residents have been isolating in nine self-contained small-group living units within the purpose-built care home, to help with infection control.
Residents have access to Android tablets and are encouraged to use video conferencing apps to stay connected with friends. Each group’s lounge area can be connected via video to bring the whole home together.
The innovative use of technology has meant that Lifestyle Coordinators at the plush home have been able to deliver a rich activity schedule, including a virtual reality whisky distillery tour, a St Andrew’s Day ceilidh and a trip around the world.
Lifestyle Coordinators lead activities from the high spec cinema room, connecting into each lounge, or each bedroom, encouraging two-way communications with the residents.
Lisa added: “Staff have been working extremely hard over the past few months to think of new activities to keep residents entertained and connected during lockdown.
“It’s so important to organise meaningful and stimulating activities for the residents as this boosts their mental and physical well-being. The themed events have been a major hit across the board. It’s something fun for everyone to get involved in.
“We’re constantly receiving suggestions of where residents would like to travel to next, the list is never-ending!”
Cramond Residence offers high quality care for up to 74 residents utilising a small-group living concept in nine houses, with all residents enjoying an exceptional range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care from our highly-trained team.
To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/
SP Energy Networks has unlocked £33.9 million of fresh funding to invest in 18 green energy projects in Central and Southern Scotland.
The projects will provide additional electrical capacity in areas where SP Energy Networks, the distribution network owner for the area, is expecting electricity demand to grow, delivering the network infrastructure required to support the UK’s low carbon future and helping to accelerate a green economic recovery.
This work will see the installation of four brand new main substations in Central and Southern Scotland, including the construction of a new £6m substation near the COP26 venue in Glasgow.
The city is hosting the most important climate summit since 2016 in November this year and the substation will create a lasting COP26 legacy by enabling future green developments and the connection of low carbon technologies into the grid and help Glasgow with its own Net Zero ambitions.
This project, and the 17 other network infrastructure projects, will be delivered over the next eighteen months and will provide the capacity for the connection of a host of LCTs such as electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps.
These technologies will help households transform their energy use as they switch to electric options from a current reliance on gas and fossil fuels to power transport and heat. And, on the journey to Net Zero, more and more of this electricity will come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “Scotland is wholly committed to becoming a net-zero economy by 2045, and doing so in a way that is just and fair for all.
“I strongly welcome this investment in Scotland’s energy networks, which will help our progress towards decarbonisation while ensuring that the economic and social benefits of the energy transition are realised across the country.
“We have worked closely with our stakeholders to support the strong and successful bids from Scotland’s network companies for this substantial funding. These projects and investments will support further innovation in green energy, unlocking capacity in our networks to support electrification of transport as well as other technologies like battery storage, renewables and heat pumps.
“Today’s announcement by Ofgem is the product of an agile approach to investment and we must now build on this to ensure that our networks remain capable of supporting Scotland’s net-zero transition.”
Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: “These projects were selected because they are shovel-ready, can be delivered at speed and will help communities in Central and Southern Scotland to take important steps forward on their journey to Net Zero.
“To tackle climate change we’re electrifying transport, decarbonising heating and buildings and connecting more wind and solar energy generation than ever before. Our network must be ready to support these changes and set the foundations for a Net Zero future.
“In six months, Glasgow will host the most important climate summit in years, COP26. At the forefront of discussions will be how everyone can accelerate climate action and this funding will help to speed up our own work to deliver a network that can unlock Net Zero for Scotland and the communities we serve.”
The investment announced today will create 154MW of new network capacity to power more than 200 rapid or ultra-rapid EV chargers and 1,500 domestic heat pumps in the region as well as numerous other significant connections.
Each project has been selected for the contribution it will make towards driving a green economic recovery, achieving Net Zero and delivering a resilient and reliable energy network that will work for energy consumers now and well into the future.
Frank Mitchell said: “We have ambitious plans to revolutionise the distribution network between 2023 and 2028 – we’re going to reinforce or replace hundreds of miles of cables, upgrade more than 800 substations and bring new technologies online to help us manage the increased energy flowing through our grid.
“The projects we have announced today are welcome, but they only represent the tip of the iceberg for our energy networks. Make no mistake, this is an infrastructure project to rival anything this country has delivered in recent memory.”
In total, 40 projects will be delivered across SP Energy Networks distribution area, which provides electricity to more than 3.5 million homes and businesses across Central and Southern Scotland and Cheshire, Merseyside and North and Mid Wales.
The Shop Here This Year campaign continues to spread support to local businesses in Edinburgh with a new series of free digital marketing workshops, hosted by Edinburgh based influencers.
Delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council under Forever Edinburgh, Shop Here This Year has adapted the campaign in the wake of the global pandemic to ensure continued support for businesses across the city who have been impacted by the pandemic.
The campaign continues to shine citizens a spotlight on 11 neighbourhoods and town centres across the Capital and the businesses that bring them to life, showcasing the independent retailers, eateries, and personal shopping experiences that make them great places to visit.
Oddly enough, Drylaw, Pilton, Muirhouse and Granton are not among those ‘local’ neigbourhoods and town centres … Ed.
The next phase of the campaign sees three virtual workshops hosted by local influencers. The new series has been created to support businesses in making the most of their digital marketing platforms in continuing to promote their businesses to existing and new customers.
Taking place on Zoom throughout the coming months, these workshops will each target a different sector of Edinburgh’s diverse and vibrant retail scene: Lifestyle, Fashion & Interiors, Food & Drink and Attractions, Heritage & Tours.
The workshops will focus on developing key skills that will empower business to grow and maximise their digital presence, following, and engagement.
Each workshop will be tailored to specific sectors and will cover essential digital marketing skills; how to increase brand awareness, take impactful imagery, build a following and share engaging copy.
Although aimed at certain types of business, be they food, lifestyle or attraction focused, businesses from across Edinburgh’s varied retail sectors are encouraged to sign up to one, or all three workshops, in accordance with relevance and their own availability.
To kick things off Gemma Armit of Everything Edinburgh and Two Scots Abroad will host the first influencer workshop aimed at businesses with links to Attractions, Heritage & Tours, on Tuesday 15 June from 5.30pm.
Then on Tuesday 29 June, again from 5.30pm, Emma Bathgate of Vegan Edinburgh will host her own workshop focused on Food & Drink retailers.
Finally, at 5.30pm on Tuesday 6 July, Lauren Dall of The Luxe List will host the third and final workshop focused Lifestyle, Fashion & Interiors.
Workshops are FREE to attend and open to all Edinburgh businesses. To sign up businesses should register via Eventbrite, links below:
A new local business champion network, created by the Councils Business Growth and Inclusion Team, has been instrumental in shaping the campaign.
The network includes a range of businesses from all 11 neighbourhoods and include: Cove, Action Porty, Fabhatrix, Reddoor Gallery, Walker Slater, Leith Police Box, Cranachan and Crowdie, Scottish Textiles, Ragamuffin, 181 Deli, Bakery Andante, Specsavers, Herbie of Edinburgh, Seakist and Leith, Stockbridge and Grassmarket Outdoor Markets.
The Business Champion Network, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Shop Here This Year campaign, which allows local businesses like ours to engage with Edinburgh’s citizens in a way that has never been more important.
“The past 12 months have been hard on everyone and while we are excited at the prospect of things slowly opening up, we need to explore avenues that are open to us in the meantime.”
“Not only will these workshops give Edinburgh businesses an opportunity to develop vital skills needed to help promote our businesses via social media and connect to shoppers, they will also enable us to engage with other businesses in our area, building a the sense of community and hopefully providing us with a network of support that will continue long into the future.”
Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Edinburgh’s local business community is incredibly important to everyone living in and around the city. Our town centres are diverse and vibrant, all offering something different from the very best in local food and drink, delicious coffees to elegant cocktails.
“We have so many shops offering locally made products, crafts, art, fashion, books and pretty much anything else you can imagine.
“By bringing these businesses together with digital marketing professionals who have had a front row seat to the struggles that retail and hospitality businesses are going through, we can create a community of support on the road to recovery.
“This campaign is run by Forever Edinburgh, the city’s visitor marketing brand, and works alongside its newest promotional activity of the Capital – The Story Never Ends.
“We hope these new skills will also help businesses build and tell their audiences more about their stories – be it their origins, about their products and suppliers or their customers experiences – and get involved by using the hashtag #ForeverEdinburgh.
“It’s another great opportunity to help both residents and visitors rediscover all the amazing unique experiences our Capital has to offer.”
The campaign continues s to engage with the local communities across the city and encourages people to share their Edinburgh shopping moments using #ShopHereThisYear and #ForeverEdinburgh on social media. Of course, while restrictions remain in place, those taking part are encouraged to do so in a Covid compliant way.
In addition to regular meetings with neighbourhood champions, the team have also prepared a digital toolkit for businesses looking to get involved.
This can be found here: bit.ly/shopherethisyear
Social Media
Twitter/Facebook: @Edinburgh
Instagram: ThisisEdinburgh
Hashtags
• #ForeverEdinburgh (primary) #ShopHereThisYear (shopping specific)
• #EdinburghLovesLocal
• #shoplocalsafely
• #neighbourhood (for spotlight weeks) #Grassmarket #Stockbridge etc.
Shop Here This Year Campaign Summary
Supported by funding from Scotland’s Towns Partnership, “Shop Here This Year” is a digital campaign led by the City of Edinburgh Council which aims to inspire people to shop local. It will promote local businesses across 11 ‘town centres’ in Edinburgh: Stockbridge, Gorgie & Dalry, Portobello, Southside, Leith, Morningside & Bruntsfield, Tollcross, Corstorphine, Queensferry, Royal Mile, and Grassmarket
Recognising the vital role of independent, local businesses for the city economy, the campaign seeks to showcase your business among EH postcode consumers, raising awareness and encouraging them to spend their money in the local community where it can have a huge impact on business resilience and local employment.
Shopping locally is a good thing, not just as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but in general. It has strong environmental credentials; it supports the places where we live in our city and it maintains the diverse and exciting mix of independent businesses which give each town centre its unique character.
The campaign will be featured across the City of Edinburgh Council’s various digital channels including:
The Official Guide to Edinburgh (Edinburgh.org) and the associated social channels: Facebook.com/Edinburgh, twitter.com/Edinburgh and instagram.com/ThisisEdinburgh
Instagram: @everythingedinburgh_
The Stroke Association in Scotland is planning to support hundreds more people affected by stroke as they recover from the effects of their stroke and impact of lockdown in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The charity has received a Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund to help develop and expand its peer support offers to help people affected by stroke, rebuild their lives again.
John Watson, Director Scotland of the Stroke Association said: “As well as the physical disabilities caused by stroke, there are many other stroke related difficulties less visible but just as important. For example, a third of stroke survivors in Scotland will experience depression.
“We are delighted to be granted this award from The National Lottery Community Fund who has recognised the value of our support services and need for them to grow – particularly at this time. Our Recoveries At Risk survey last year highlighted that just under half of people affected by stroke felt less able to cope with the impact of their stroke during lockdown.
“In response to the pandemic, we are delivering new support offers in Scotland that aim to address the psychological impact of stroke – particularly the emotional needs of people affected by stroke.
“We will use the funding to continue and expand the support options for people recovering from stroke throughout Scotland. That support will help stroke survivors connect with local groups, facilitate Zoom meetings, and run face to face support groups. They will also receive vital information to help with their own self-management.”
Heather Melville-Hume from Galashiels, was only 43 when she had her stroke two and a half years ago. It came completely out of the blue. In an instant, her life changed as she knew it.
Heather was unable to walk confidently or use her lower right arm and dominant hand. The fatigue that came after her stroke was overwhelming. Everything felt like a huge mountain to climb – both physically and emotionally.
And as if that wasn’t hard enough to deal with, Heather then lost her husband who she had been with for seven and a half years.
She said: “Nobody around me had been widowed at such a young age and there was no one I knew my age, dealing with the impact of a stroke. I was in a very lonely place.”
Heather heard about the charity’s stroke café via social media. And although initially anxious to join online and talk to people, something made her do it.
“I was delighted to feel at first like I didn’t need to say anything. People were just talking normally about everyday things, and it was very relaxed with a warm welcome by volunteers involved.
“After a while people started to talk about what sort of a week they’d had. And that’s when I heard some fascinating stories about peoples’ stroke experiences and how they were coping/had coped. I realised I was not alone, that every stroke comes with its challenges, but there is hope and you can get back to a new normal.
“I am delighted the Stroke Association in Scotland is receiving support from The National Lottery Community Fund. There is so much value in connecting with strangers with shared experiences in lifting your mood, spirit and importantly raise a smile on the hardest of days.”
ANOTHER BIG WINNER announced this morning was ELREC (Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council), who received almost £100,000.
The Forth Street-based organisation will use the funding ‘to continue supporting isolated women and activities will include exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, a women’s health forum, and opportunities to practice talking and writing in English.
‘Participants will meet new friends and will benefit from a supportive network, improved wellbeing and increasing social interaction.’
The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: “In these unprecedented times, it’s heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support.
“I would like to congratulate the Stroke Association in Scotland on their award which is testament to the incredible efforts of their staff and volunteers. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference.”
Dear Editor
At the end of the war in 1945 the population, including the armed forces, were exhausted, many having also lived through the 1930s of unemployment and poor living conditions. The population were determined to change things after six years of war.
The main thing to tackle was the formation if a National Health Service. In 1948 this would tackle the poor state of the nation and provide an example of how the nation could be organised for the people.
Now, more than seventy years on, the foresight of setting up the NHS has been experienced and it is paying off, particularly in the circumstances of the Covid 19 epidemic.
Millions of people have expressed their gratitude for the NHS, for it’s originators and for all the people who work within it.
But now, a danger looms over our NHS. The Conservatives, who voted AGAINST the formation of the NHS, feel they are able to start ‘reorganising’ the service to allow the private sector a controlling role in it.
This infiltration is the first step by the Tories in a plan to kill off the NHS as a service for all.
TONY DELAHOY
Forth Ports has unveiled ambitious proposals for the creation of Scotland’s largest and best located renewable energy hub on a 175 acre site at the Port of Leith – supporting Scotland’s economic recovery and energy transition plans and the achievement of Scotland’s net zero carbon emissions targets.
This £40m private investment will see the creation of a bespoke, riverside marine berth capable of accommodating the world’s largest offshore wind installation vessels.
The facility will feature a heavy lift capability of up to 100 tonnes per square metre (t/m2), backed up by 35 acres of adjacent land for logistics and marshalling. This will be supplemented by the upgrading of a 140 acre cargo handling site to accommodate lay down; assembly; supply chain and manufacturing opportunities.
The total area is equivalent to around 100 full size football pitches.
CGI video here: https://vimeo.com/554214247/cf526c091e]
The Port of Leith Renewable Energy Hub has the potential to:
Launching the plans, Charles Hammond OBE, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “We are committed to playing a significant role in the renewable energy sector and, through that, Scotland’s energy transition to net zero as we also tackle the challenges of Covid-19 recovery and economic regeneration.
“This is a pump-priming investment in logistics and marine infrastructure at the Port of Leith as we harness Scotland’s natural resources for future generations and has the potential to play a significant part in our forthcoming Firth of Forth Green Port bid.
“Leith’s proximity to the North Sea, which is set to become home to many more offshore wind developments, coupled with the natural deep waters of the Firth of Forth, makes this an ideal location to support not only those developments already planned, but the pipeline of projects that are sure to follow.
“That’s why we’re prepared to invest our land, our expertise and our shareholders’ money to further build and strengthen Scotland’s renewables supply chain to deliver new long-term jobs. Forth Ports is committed to both help make Scotland’s renewables future a reality and help it meet its carbon reduction targets.”
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson, said: “The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets to increase offshore wind capacity to 11 GW of energy installed by 2030 – enough to power more than eight million homes. This commitment, which will support our transition to a net-zero economy by 2045, capitalises on the fact that Scotland’s seas have some of the best offshore wind resources in the world.
“It is fundamentally important that the bold and necessary action required for us to reach net-zero is taken in a way that is fair and just for everyone. It must seize the economic benefits that will be created, supporting jobs and our wider society.
“This significant investment from Forth Ports to develop the Port of Leith places them in an ideal position to harness the offshore wind opportunities in the North Sea, creating good green jobs and supporting a just transition to net-zero – not just for the city of Edinburgh but the wider area and beyond.”
City of Edinburgh Council leader, Councillor Adam McVey, said: “Renewable energy plays a vital role in tackling climate change and in securing a bright economic future for everyone in our Capital. The increase in jobs for people in Leith and across Edinburgh is hugely welcome and underlines our economic resilience as a City.
“The continuing regeneration of clean industry in the docks with the development of the Port of Leith Renewable Energy Hub is an important and welcome step in supporting the needed transition to a cleaner, greener future for the next generation.”
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “Scotland is at the start of its offshore wind journey, with plans to increase capacity tenfold in the coming decade. Ports and harbour infrastructure have an enormous role to play in the growth of that multi-billion pound sector which, with support from government and industry, is likely to grow much more quickly than it has to date.
“The announcement of such significant activity by Forth Ports is hugely welcome and will act as a signal to draw other, wider private and public sector investment to grow the skills, expertise, innovation and supply chain we need to make the most of this exciting next phase of the renewable energy industry’s development.
“The Scottish Government’s Sectoral Marine Plan contains many sites for floating wind development which, coupled with investments in infrastructure capable of handling the scale of floating turbine technology, mean we have a chance to gain a foothold in a market with enormous economic and export opportunities, particularly in the US and Asia. Scotland can truly lead the world in offshore wind, and today’s news from Leith is the first step in that journey.”
This will be a wholly private sector investment of £40m, backed by Forth Ports’ shareholders, in support of the industrial regeneration of the Port of Leith and reinforcing the role of the Firth of Forth in Scotland’s energy transition. It will further underpin the position of Scotland’s Central Belt as a leading area of engineering and manufacturing skills and capabilities.
With existing offshore wind farm development plans and the Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind seabed leasing round still to come, offshore wind alone has the potential to create enough work for this renewables hub for the next 30 years.
The Firth of Forth’s natural deep waters and its proximity to the North Sea make it ideally suited to supporting future offshore wind farm development, both fixed and floating.
Lothians MSP Miles Briggs said: “This £40 million investment into a renewable energy hub at the Port of Leith is exactly what is needed for Scotland’s green economic recovery.
“Creating jobs, building the economy and developing green energy are all key to building back better and stronger.
“Forth Ports have put themselves in pole position to be a Green Port, Scotland’s take on the UK initiative of Free Ports.
“Leith has historically been a source of wealth for Edinburgh and the East of Scotland and this investment will massively benefit the region.”
