The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee wants to hear views from across the area to understand what support is needed for the North East and Moray to maximise the benefits of the just transition. This includes areas like public investment, skills development, industry involvement, and measuring progress during the transition.
The Committee want to know how public investment, such as the Just Transition Fund, and opportunities like the ScotWind leasing round, can unlock private capital and support Scottish businesses to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the just transition.
As Scotland ends its dependence on oil and gas, the Committee also wants to know if stakeholders are confident that new technologies will be able to maintain levels of employment – given the current dominance of the oil and gas sector in the region.
Other areas for the inquiry include how well the public sector is engaging with industry and local communities, support for innovation, and how the transition can be measured.
Committee Convener Claire Baker MSP said: “The oil and gas sector supports 65,000 jobs in the North East and Moray, making the Just Transition here all the more significant. This area must be supported as it adapts to our changing world, and that work can’t wait.
“The Scottish Government must ensure that there are jobs available for those workers whose industries are transforming, and to make sure workers have the skills and training to take advantage of those opportunities.
“New technologies, and initiatives like ScotWind, have huge potential. Scotland can be a true powerhouse for renewable energy. But none of this can come at the expense of workers and communities.
“Any transition will affect people, communities and businesses. So we want to hear from as many people as possible about what a truly Just Transition would look like.”
The call for views is open until 26 September. The Committee will begin its inquiry and take evidence from a range of stakeholders this winter.