Tag: Scottish Government

Safe Access Zones now in place around Scotland’s abortion facilities

Protected zones of 200 meters around all abortion services in Scotland are now in place.

Within these zones, it is now a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Police Scotland are responsible for enforcing the legislation. People who break the law can be fined up to £10,000, or be given an unlimited fine, depending on the court procedure.

Determining whether an offence has been committed will be a matter for Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Courts.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, some examples of criminal behaviour may include: approaching someone to try and persuade them not to access abortion services, surrounding people as they try to go in or out of the clinic or hospital, handing out leaflets, religious preaching and silent vigils.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is a crucial milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights – no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions and the law now makes that abundantly clear.

“I thank Gillian Mackay (pictured below) and all those involved for their work to progress this legislation.

“I would like to especially recognise the women who showed incredible courage in speaking up and sharing their experiences during the Bill process.

“The new zones of 200 meters around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.”

Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.

Full list of the locations of zones:

University Hospital Crosshouse – Kilmarnock

Borders General Hospital – Melrose

Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary

Galashiels Health Centre

Oak Tree Family Health Centre – Stranraer

Queen Margaret Hospital – Dunfermline

Victoria Hospital – Kirkcaldy

Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Larbert

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Aberdeen Community Hospital

Aberdeen Maternity Hospital

Dr Gray’s Hospital – Elgin

Inverclyde Hospital – Greenock

Royal Alexandra Hospital – Paisley

Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic – Glasgow

Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Glasgow

Ross Hall – Glasgow

New Victoria Hospital – Glasgow

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Glasgow

Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow

Vale of Leven Hospital – West Dunbartonshire

Raigmore Hospital – Inverness

University Hospital Wishaw

Royal Infirmary Edinburgh

Chalmers Sexual Health Centre – Edinburgh

St John’s Hospital – Livingston

The Balfour – Livingston

Gilbert Bain Hospital – Lerwick

Ninewells Hospital – Dundee

Western Isles Hospital – Stornoway

Grasping economic opportunities of clean energy

FM: Scotland will target investment from UK Energy initiatives

First Minister John Swinney says the Scottish Government will focus on maximising investment from newly created UK Government energy initiatives, including Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund and the Clean Power 2030 Mission, in projects in Scotland.

The pledge came as the First Minister co-chaired his first meeting of the Scottish Energy Advisory Board, the key expert body which advises the Scottish Government on energy. The First Minister was joined by the Chair of Great British Energy Juergen Maier, the Head of Clean Power 2030 Unit Chris Stark and representatives of Scotland’s energy sector to plan the way ahead for Scotland.

Speaking at the meeting – which was the first engagement event between the Scottish Government and Great British Energy – the First Minister said it is vital Scotland is seen as an attractive proposition for GB energy and pledged his government’s support to make sure investment opportunities are secured.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Clean, green energy represents a massive opportunity for Scotland. Not only does it help tackle climate change but it can be a huge stimulus of jobs and prosperity for Scotland for decades to come.

“We welcome the creation of Great British Energy and Clean Power 2030 and now it is up to Scotland to maximise the investment and opportunities that will come to projects in Scotland from these initiatives.

“Having the heads of both Clean Power 2030 and Great British Energy in Scotland today, meeting with the leaders of Scotland’s energy sector, is the next step in doing exactly that. It means we can make sure Scotland is ready to grab the chance for jobs and green growth they represent. It is a chance we will grasp with both hands.

“Scotland has already made great strides towards a clean, fair and secure energy system and we are continuing to accelerate our enormous renewables potential and work to ensure the maximum possible economic and social benefit from the opportunities created.”

Social Justice Secretary urges UK Government to reinstate Winter Fuel Payment

Call for action to tackle root causes of fuel poverty

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall to urge the UK Government to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.

Call for action to tackle root causes of fuel poverty.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has written to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall to urge the UK Government to reverse the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.

Ms Somerville called on the UK Government to take action to address root causes of fuel poverty and volatile energy prices.

The full text of the Social Justice Secretary’s letter: 

Winter Fuel Payment: Letter to UK Government

To: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall

From: Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville

20 September 2024


Dear Liz,

I am writing to you to express further concerns, following the publication of the UK Government’s equality analysis on the impact of the introduction of a means-tested Winter Fuel Payments, which shows that across all assessed characteristics those affected by this change in policy will greatly outnumber those unaffected.

The Scottish Government continues to support vulnerable households from fuel poverty through a range of actions within our limited devolved powers. This year alone, we are spending £134 million on activities to mitigate UK Government policies through schemes such as Discretionary Housing Payments and the Scottish Welfare Fund, which provide vital support to households struggling to meet their housing and energy costs.

However, we cannot continue to mitigate UK austerity policy decisions. What is really needed is reform of the UK energy markets to address the root causes of fuel poverty in Scotland, such as high fuel prices. In these circumstances I would urge you to now reverse the Winter Fuel Payment decision and reinstate the payment for all pensioners.

This decision was of course taken without consultation or discussion with the Scottish Government and it has had devastating consequences for our planned launch of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, reducing the Block-Grant Adjustment for our devolved payment by over 80%.

Having carefully considered the options, given the significant impact of this decision and the wider cuts being imposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on our budgets, we have had no choice but to mirror this approach in Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, our replacement for Winter Fuel Payment, which is to be delivered in Scotland this Winter by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the Scottish Government.

A copy of this letter goes to the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Education overhaul: Reform of qualifications and assessment

Less reliance on “high stakes” final exams

The balance of assessment used for senior phase pupils in Scotland will change, with greater use of internal and continuous assessment to award final grades.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced the shift as part of the Scottish Government’s response to an independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA), which was led by Professor Louise Hayward and published in June 2023.

In a statement to Parliament, Ms Gilruth confirmed that exams will remain part of the overall approach to assessment, including at National 5, while some more practical courses may not have written exams in future.

The Education Secretary committed to ensuring that qualifications reform is done in full partnership with teachers, pupils and other professional bodies, with a secondary Headteacher to be seconded to the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA), and its replacement Qualifications Scotland (QS), to oversee that.

Ms Gilruth also confirmed that she will set out a renewed national approach to improvement later this year, setting out short, medium and longer term improvements for Scottish education.

Ms Gilruth said: “While exams will remain part of our approach, I have accepted the independent review’s recommendation that the balance of assessment methods in the senior phase should change so there is less reliance on high stakes final exams and internal and continuous assessment contributing to a greater percentage of a final grade.

“The actions on qualifications reform I am setting out seek to achieve a balance between ambition and pragmatic action. Any change needs to be focussed and deliverable given the resources available to national and local government and to schools themselves. This will build directly on the hard work, success and creativity already evident in Scotland’s schools.

“This pragmatic approach to evolving qualifications and assessment will deliver a fair and credible system to enhance learning and teaching and support better outcomes for young people.”

Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) General Secretary, Seamus Searson, said: “The SSTA welcomes the Cabinet Secretary’s statement on the Government’s response to the Hayward Review. The statement maps a way forward in making the cultural changes required in secondary schools in regard national qualifications and a teacher led continuous assessment.

“Many SSTA members will be pleased to hear there will be an element of external assessment at Nat 5 in the short-term and that any future developments will be trialled and piloted before implementation.

“The SSTA equally welcomes the importance placed by the Cabinet Secretary on schoolteachers at the centre and leading the changes necessary for creating an education system for the future.”

The Education Secretary’s Parliamentary statement was delivered in response to the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (IRQA) by Professor Louise Hayward.

Scottish Government Response To The Final Report Of The Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment – ‘It’s Our Future’ – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The SQA is consulting on whether written external examinations should remain part of course assessment in more practical subjects, such as National 5 Practical Woodworking and Fashion and Textile Technology, with a view to any changes being brought in for 2025/26.

Keeping The Promise to care-experienced young people

New report highlights government work to date

Progress made towards ‘Keeping the Promise’ by 2030 has been set out in a new report.

The Promise is the outcome of the Independent Care Review and is a commitment to bring about the necessary changes to ensure all care-experienced children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected, with the ability to reach their full potential.

The update report, ‘Keeping the Promise to our children, young people and families’, highlights the scale of work undertaken by the Scottish Government since 2022 to deliver the commitment by 2030.

It follows the recent passing of the Children (Care and Justice) Act by the Scottish Parliament and associated measures, which include ensuring that no child will be placed in a Young Offenders Institution again.

The new report directly informs the work of The Promise Scotland’s Plan 2024-30.

The report includes updates on:

  • the launch of six Pathfinder and four Affiliate partnerships which aim to ensure that holistic, child-centred support is offered to children and young people in the justice system
  • the introduction of the Scottish Recommended Allowance for kinship and foster carers, to date benefitting more than 9,000 families across Scotland
  • changes introduced to transform the Children’s Hearing System
  • work to introduce a £2,000 Care Leaver Payment

Minister for The Promise Natalie Don-Innes unveiled the report during a visit to the Young Scot head offices in Edinburgh to meet recipients of a share of the Promise Partnership Fund.

Ms Don-Innes said: “Our commitment to The Promise is as strong today as it was in 2020 when we accepted in full all the recommendations of the Independent Care Review.

“Since then, we have taken strides in our work to keep The Promise and this report sets out clearly the scale of work and transformational change already undertaken to ensure all children in Scotland grow up loved, safe and respected.

“We know there is still much to do and such significant change takes time, but the Scottish Government will leave no stone unturned as we work with partners and stakeholders to ensure that the necessary transformation is in place by 2030.”

keeping-promise-children-young-people-familiesDownload

Eye Pavilion to close for six months for urgent plumbing repairs

MSP MILES BRIGGS REPEATS CALL FOR REPLACEMENT EYE HOSPITAL

Urgent repair work will have to be carried out at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion at the end of October.

Extensive work is required on the plumbing system, meaning that all patient appointments which were scheduled to take place from October 28 will now be moved to other NHS Lothian facilities.

It is anticipated that the PAEP building will be vacated for around six months while contractors replace two waste pipes and remove asbestos material from a sealed cavity where the pipework is located.

The decision to move to other locations temporarily while the work takes place is designed to protect patients, staff and visitors.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause our patients and it is not a decision we have taken lightly. 

“Whilst patients and staff are not at risk, the work is essential and the advice we have received from our contractors is that this can be done more speedily and safely if the building is temporarily vacated.

“Patient and staff safety are always our chief consideration. Our teams are working hard to minimise disruption and to ensure patients continue to be seen and treated throughout this period.”

Teams are currently developing plans to ensure that inpatient and outpatient appointments continue throughout this period and it is expected that all appointments will be held in NHS Lothian facilities.

Patients do not need to do anything differently.

The vast majority of patients due to be seen at the PAEP between now and Friday October 26are unaffected. A very small number of appointments scheduled to take place before then may need to be rescheduled. These patients do not need to do anything as they will be contacted individually by their clinical teams at least two weeks in advance.

Those who already have appointments booked for dates from Monday October 28 will be contacted by letter, text or both in good time to arrange their new appointments, starting with patients who have appointments in the week beginning October 28. 

Mr Crombie added: “We are really grateful to all of our patients for their patience and understanding.

“I would like to reassure them they do not need to do anything. All affected patients will be being contacted with details of the new location of their appointment.

“Our staff and teams throughout PAEP are working really hard to make the move as smooth as possible at short notice and I can’t thank them enough.”

Lothian MSP urges residents to make their voices heard over unacceptable lack of a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called on Edinburgh and Lothian residents to send a clear message to SNP Ministers and the Scottish Government that the failure to deliver a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is unacceptable.

On Tuesday NHS Lothian announced that the eye hospital would be closing for six months due to urgent plumbing repairs (see above).

Previous FOIs to NHS Lothian showed a list of 125 outstanding items of maintenance work, totalling £2.3 million, that needed carried out at the hospital.

Since April 2022 the list of outstanding maintenance work has remained the same, with MSP Miles Briggs, calling the building “unfit for purpose”.

A scheduled visit to the hospital with Lothian MSPs and the Cabinet Secretary for Health is scheduled for next month to see the extent of work required at the hospital and the urgent need for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

Figures from Sight Scotland show that over the last ten years there has been a 230% increase in ongoing waits for ophthalmology outpatients in NHS Lothian. The number of people waiting over sixteen weeks has increased by 5600% and those waiting over 12 weeks has increased by 2752%.

This closure to the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is only going to worsen ophthalmology waits in NHS Lothian.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Residents in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s must let SNP Ministers know how angry they are with the lack of funding being delivered for a replacement Edinburgh Eye hospital

“Waits for Ophthalmology services in NHS Lothian have grown dramatically, especially over the last 3 to 5 years and people are having to wait excessive lengths of time for treatment.

“As with any medical treatment, the sooner that you are seen the better the expected outcome and this is especially the case for ophthalmology.

“People who want to make their voices heard can sign my petition online to restore funding for a new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.”

If you would like to support Mr Brigg’s petition to reinstate funding for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, you can find the petition here:

https://www.edinburghconservatives.org.uk/news/miles-briggs-msp-launches-petition-restore-funding-planned-new-princess-alexandra-eye-pavilion

Support for green hydrogen projects

£7m funding available to kick start local initiatives

Businesses will be able to bid for a share of up to £7 million of Scottish Government funding to help kick start green hydrogen projects across Scotland.

The funding will help cover the development stage costs of green hydrogen production projects with production capacity of between 5 – 400 megawatts –  the equivalent to the production of enough hydrogen to heat at least 200 to over 16,000 homes.  

Support will also be available for work supporting the hydrogen supply chain and storage solutions, and will play an important role in helping the industry scale up as it responds to market demand.

Organisations have until the end of the month to apply for a maximum of £2 million of match-funding from the scheme which has been co-developed with Scottish Enterprise, who will facilitate and manage the fund.

It complements a total of almost £7 million from the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Innovation Scheme, which has supported 31 projects across the country since 2023. 

Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said: “Our energy sector, and the development of green hydrogen in particular, will play a crucial role in growing Scotland’s economy and delivering on our net zero targets.

“This is due to our capability to generate so much renewable energy which is crucial to the process of making green hydrogen.

“This funding – which will help support the development of green hydrogen projects and hydrogen hubs across the country, will, in time, help unlock opportunities in hydrogen for use and export and to power the clean energy intensive industries of the future. 

“It demonstrates that Scotland is well positioned to lead the way in developing renewable energy in a way that delivers economic benefits and it also shows our commitment to help grow the hydrogen sector, one of the five priority areas set out in our new Green Industrial Strategy.”

Scottish Enterprise Director of Energy Transition, Suzanne Sosna, said: “This new fund will help new green hydrogen projects get off the ground, something that is critical if we are to build the hydrogen economy as we aim to in Scotland.

“Renewable energy, including green hydrogen, has the potential to transform Scotland’s economy and Scottish Enterprise is fully committed to helping hydrogen production, storage and offtake businesses as part of that.”

Organisations have until 27th September to submit expressions of interest in the fund. 

More information about the funding and how to apply  

Hydrogen Innovation Scheme: Successful projects 

Helping disabled people into work

Support to be rolled out across Scotland

People seeking work who are disabled or have long-term health conditions are to be offered help from a dedicated employability adviser.

The initiative will be in place by next summer and involve advisers working with employers to develop roles suited to an individual’s needs.

Included as part of last week’s Programme for Government, it is designed to support people into work, boosting Scotland’s workforce and helping to drive economic growth. It will also help to deliver the Scottish Government’s ambition of creating a fairer labour market and halving the disability employment gap by 2038.

The Scottish Government will partner with local authorities and others including health and voluntary organisations to implement the measures. They build on the existing No-one Left Behind approach which has supported 61,930 people since April 2019, 19% of whom reported having a disability.

Employment Minister Tom Arthur visited the Routes to Work South, Cook and Learn Café in Cambuslang to find out how people facing challenges in getting back to work are currently being helped.

Mr Arthur said: “Our commitment to deliver specialist employability support from summer 2025 will ensure that more disabled people are able to secure fulfilling jobs.

“Tackling discrimination and stigma faced by those with disabilities and long-term health conditions is key to building a diverse workforce and creating a more prosperous and resilient economy.

“The project that I am visiting today demonstrates how supporting those furthest away from employment into work helps us to address labour market inequality and provide people with a better of quality-of-life.”

This support is being brought forward as part of the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind Strategic Plan launched earlier today.

no-one-left-behind-employability-strategic-plan-2024-2027Download

Growing Scotland’s net zero economy

Green Industrial Strategy unveiled

A focused strategy has been launched to place Scotland at the forefront of the net zero economy, with targeted actions to secure growth and investment.

Delivered as part of the Programme for Government, the Green Industrial Strategy sets out five priority areas where efforts and resources will be concentrated.

These are:

  • maximising Scotland’s wind economy
  • growing the hydrogen sector
  • developing the carbon capture, utilisation and storage sector
  • supporting green economy professional and financial services
  • attracting clean energy intensive industries such as datacentres

A range of specific actions include hosting a Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum next Spring, working with the sector to develop hubs of hydrogen production and demand and working with public and private partners to drive investment in key projects.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin unveiled the Strategy during a visit to Flowcopter, a company developing drones which can be used in the offshore wind sector.

Ms Forbes said: “The global transition to net zero provides opportunities across every part of our economy through a strengthened partnership between the public and private sectors.

“This Green Industrial Strategy spells out where we believe the greatest opportunities lie, and where we will focus our attention and resources.

“It provides certainty for businesses – both at home and abroad – by demonstrating where and how we will work to reduce barriers to investment and, where appropriate, share risk and reward.”

Ms Martin said: “Scotland’s energy sector will play a crucial role in growing the economy and delivering on our net zero targets.

“We have already committed up to £500 million over five years to develop the offshore wind supply chain.

“This will build further on Scotland’s strengths to generate growth in well paid jobs and exports, to enable us to deliver on our Programme for Government priorities of high quality public services, eradicating child poverty and protecting the planet.”

Managing Director of Flowcopter Peter McCurry said: “The rapidly growing green energy sector represents a real opportunity for Flowcopter to not only scale-up our business, but create even more high-tech jobs as part of a Scottish supply chain.

“Flowcopter has successfully developed an uncrewed cargo drone for remote logistics. Through this, we came to recognise the huge potential to drastically reduce operations and maintenance costs for the offshore wind industry.”

The Green Industrial Strategy.

Cash for Community Energy Projects

Communities across Scotland, including groups in the Hebrides, Shetland and two projects in Edinburgh are to benefit from a share of £1.5 million Scottish Government funding aimed at supporting community renewable energy generation projects.

A total of 19 community groups from across Scotland, including groups in Eigg, Bressay, Tiree, Fair Isle, Barra and Arran, will share funding from the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund. This will  support them to develop their own renewable energy projects, including installing wind turbines and solar panels to meet local needs.

The organisations will also be able to earn money from their projects by, for example, selling the excess energy generated back to the grid.

The fund forms part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which to date, has awarded more than £65 million in funding to over 900 renewable projects across the country.

The pilot scheme will inform longer-term support for community-owned energy generation projects through CARES. 

Acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan said: “I am pleased the fund has provided support to so many locally owned energy generation projects – particularly those in our island communities.

We are fully committed to ensuring that all areas of Scotland are able to thrive and contribute to a growing sustainable economy and renewable projects like these will  help reduce energy costs, generate revenue and help drive Scotland’s transition to net zero.

“It is crucial that communities are at the heart of Scotland’s ambition to become a renewable energy powerhouse – and this fund helps to ensure that they can lead and benefit from this era defining transition.”

Director of Eigg Electric Labhaoise McKenna said: “Eigg Electric is delighted to be a recipient of the Community Energy Generation fund. As a pioneer of community energy generation, we value this support to help us to plan for and further develop our renewable system.

“This fund will help us build a more resilient island community and help us on our journey to 2030 carbon net zero.”

More information about Community Energy Generation Growth (CEGG) Fund

OrganisationProject SummaryTotal initial approved capital/ resource
Fort Seafield And Wallacetown Community AssociationInstallation of solar panels on three school buildings in Wallacetown, with power generated sold to the Local Authority. The funding will be used to fund purchase of equipment.£151,512
Arran Community RenewablesA 4 MW solar farm on Arran. Funding will be used for grid connection, a planning application and project management costs.£220,828
Radical Renewable Art and Activism Community Energy Society Limited, GlasgowRooftop solar PV on 7 community buildings and 2 local businesses in Glasgow. Funding will be used for site permissions, detailed design work and consents.£68,850
Fife Communities Climate Action Network CICGround-mounted solar PV across 4-6 sites. Funding is for grid connection, legal agreement, planning costs and technical development.£58,074
Arnish Community Windfarm LtdUp to seven 4-5MW wind turbines. Funding is for a grid connection.£38,000
Sunart Community Renewables Ltd300kw ground mounted solar. Funding is for feasibility work.£17,844
Sunart Community Renewables Ltd800kw wind turbine. Funding is for feasibility work.£20,884
Radio City Association, KilbirnieA 3MW wind turbine project. Funding is to support feasibility work.£10,000
Carluke Development Trust (on behalf of the ONECarluke Community Energy Project up).Rooftop solar and battery storage at four sites. Funding is for equipment and installation costs.£233,260
Tiree Community Enterprise LimitedSolar PV array with battery storage, to support EV storage and resilience. Funding sought for equipment and installation costs.£113,500
Eigg Electric LtdThree 100kwh wind turbines and infrastructure upgrade to support increased capacity, to support decarbonisation of Eigg by 2030. Funding is to support grid infrastructure upgrades.£86,766
Knock and Swordale Community Company Limited3-6MW wind turbine. Funding is for options appraisal and planning work.£20,000
Fair Isle Electricity Company LtdGround mounted solar array to provide power to the Fair Isle Bird Observatory. Funding is for equipment and installation costs.£137,361
Edinburgh Community Solar Ltd (Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op)2.5MW solar array on 16 council sites, including 7 schools and a number of leisure buildings. Funding is for development costs.£84,960
Porty Community EnergySolar bond project, exploring putting solar on 6 community buildings. Funding is for a feasibility study and work on consents and permissions.£44,088
Zero Carbon Daviot1MW ground mounted solar PV. Funding is to support feasibility work.£15,000
   
Barra and Vatersay Community LtdRepowering for Barra community turbine, with learning to be applied to other repowering projects. Funding is to explore an engineering solution to support repowering.£23,000
Huntly Development Trust LimitedA wind generation project on Gartly Moor, forming part of a wider project of up to 20MW of wind, solar and potentially green hydrogen. Funding will be used for grid and planning, including addressing aviation issues.£138,141
Blairgowrie and Rattray Development TrustGround and/or roof mounted solar. Funding is for feasibility work.£10,000
Bressay Development LtdSolar PV and battery storage on a brownfield site. Funding is for feasibility work.£10,000