The Local Authorities along the east of Scotland are exploring the creation of an alliance that will bring together key players from Peterhead to Dunbar to promote what could become one of the main areas for renewable energy development in Scotland.

The alliance would build on the considerable work currently being done at local authority level in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Angus, Fife, Edinburgh and East Lothian.

First Minister, Alex Salmond, took the opportunity to demonstrate his support for this initiative when he visited the East Coast Renewables networking event during the Open Golf Championship at Fife Council’s Welcome to Fife Pavilion.

-- Advertisement --

Fifty renewable energy companies and representatives of higher and further education sectors across the east coast attended.

An East Coast Renewables alliance will bring together businesses, public sector organisations, universities and colleges to explore opportunities for collaboration. Working in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International it will further develop the renewable energy sector and promote the East Coast of Scotland as a key location for investment.

Leader of Fife Council’s Administration, Councillor Peter Grant, said: “Working together, the Alliance will explore areas for cooperation which will lead to greater success through a common offer than could be achieved if each area worked only in isolation. This will be a huge benefit not only to Fife, but also to the east coast and Scotland as a whole.”

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive, Scottish Renewables said: “This is a fantastic initiative which will undoubtedly help achieve Scotland’s aim to become a leading area for renewable energy development in Europe. We need this kind of cross boundary collaboration from local authorities to position Scotland as a key location for investment.”

(GK/KMcA)