HISTORICALLY, Scotland has been at the vanguard of innovation, particularly when it comes to advancements in technology, but often we are also leaders when it comes to policy.
My great hope for this year is that Scotland’s green economy and political discourse continues to grow and adapt, and we become not only a renewables leader in the UK, but in Europe and around the world.
It feels like everything is set up for 2025 to be the year for Scotland’s renewables and green energy sector, but business and politics alike cannot become complacent — or take their eye off the ball.
There have been some major developments, many of which have also bolstered the job picture across the country, including the decision to base the UK Government’s GB Energy in Aberdeen, the introduction of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, and other boons like the just transition plan for the Grangemouth oil refinery via The Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal.
These are truly exciting times as we continue to move our identity away from the heritage of the coalfields and the rigs.
However, if we are to do this right, meet targets and strengthen our economy, we must execute our plans properly and with a little nod to the past.
Namely, in my humble opinion, this means investing in training, development and proper recruitment when it comes to maintaining the right workforce for the industry to continue to grow for decades into the future.
It has threatened for a while to be Scotland’s next big “industrial” employer, but the infrastructure in renewables isn’t quite where it needs to be, compared to previous giants to have graced our shores, like shipbuilding, mining and manufacturing.
Of course, it is a huge political year too as Labour gets ready to journey through its first full year in office at Westminster with new Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the helm.
While north of the border, 2025 will be an important period as we head towards Scottish Parliament elections next year in what feels like a time of transition for Holyrood.
These factors coupled together could spell good news for the renewables sector, but they could also prove a distraction for decision makers, leaving the industry at risk of stagnation.
While Labour’s GB Energy plans have garnered many headlines, I must also doff my cap to the Scottish Government for its involvement in the wider picture UK-wide and also for its Budget at the end of 2024.
It was overlooked by some, but its £150million commitment to invest in offshore wind, coupled with the plan for the clean energy sector with the UK Government, is not insignificant.
The news forms part of the Scottish Government’s wider plan to invest up to £500million in the offshore wind sector over the next five years — one of many aims, targets and commitments it and the UK Government must now strive to stick to.
The opportunities for economic growth are staggering and we must make sure we nurture them if Scotland is to find itself, once again, at the top of the pile.
After all, isn’t that what we want for ourselves?
For too long, policymakers and entrepreneurs have bemoaned the lack of opportunities and economic identity in the Scottish marketplace.
And now, here we are, with a golden chance to seize something special, not only for ourselves but for those to come.
Achieving a more sustainable future will be challenging, of course, but one which could echo through the generations given the nature of the industry.
These resources are not finite, we are a nation abundant with wind, waves and, most importantly, brains full of dreams.
Modern thinking, of course, will be required to carry out these great plans, but a little sprinkling of that old school Scottish grit, determination and boldness is what will set us apart.
While their time may have been and gone, the spirit of the Clydeside shipbuilders, Lanarkshire miners and North Sea rig workers should live on as we aim to make strides towards a bright new dawn.
Boost for Arts is Boost for All
AS I have written about many times in this column, Scotland’s arts sector is facing a particularly uncertain time – especially as we head into the new year.
Regular readers will remember how incredibly disappointed I was when Creative Scotland was forced to close its Open Fund for individuals after the Scottish Government withheld £8.4million of committed funding and instead made additional cuts.
However, there is a small glimmer of optimism as a £34million increase in arts and culture spending has been outlined in Holyrood’s draft Budget for 2025-26.
What’s more, an additional £20million has been pledged to Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme.
The proposed funding boost has provided much-needed relief to Scotland’s arts sector.
However, I can’t help but think that the additional cash won’t help fully address the challenges that continue to face the arts.
Industry leaders have highlighted that, while the funding announcement is welcomed, the sector needs clear policy direction and sustained investment in order to ensure the long-term health of Scotland’s cultural landscape.
The arts sector is the cornerstone of our tourism industry, and it is crying out for regular funding boosts so it can continue to thrive.
I hope the Scottish Government sticks to its word and delivers on its promise for the sector this year.
It Made Me Laugh
Go Shawty
IT looks like we’ll be dusting off our baggy jeans, flip phones and sideways caps this summer as noughties hip-hop legend 50 Cent returns to Scotland.
The rapper, above, is set to headline the Main Stage at TRNSMT festival in July, alongside the likes of Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol and The Script.
The three-day festival, which typically attracts around 50,000 people to Glasgow Green each day, has been growing every year since it was launched in 2017.
The likelihood of bumping into me in the crowd is slim, but I’ll be chanting “Go shawty, it’s your birthday” from the comfort of my living room during 50’s performance.
It Made Me Weep
Space Jammed
SCOTLAND’s space industry is set to experience a rocky start to 2025, with experts claiming it’s facing “formidable challenges” thanks to billionaire Elon Musk.
SaxaVord, which is based in the Shetland Islands, had ambitious plans for orbital launches in 2024, however, delays have pushed them to later this year at the earliest.
And what’s more, industry insiders now say Musk’s company SpaceX has intensified competition so much, Scottish start-ups are struggling to secure market share.
That doesn’t bode well for the anticipated economic benefits which the sector promised.
