Energy Minister Fergus Ewing marked Mandela day in a meeting with South Africa’s High Commissioner to share Scotland’s expertise in renewable energy and carbon capture and storage.

Mr Ewing met with His Excellency Dr Zola Skweyiya and South African Honorary Consul and Chair of Action for Southern Africa Brian Filling on the day designated by the United Nations to mark the former South African president’s commitment to public service.

Mr Ewing said: “The overarching aim behind Mandela Day is to inspire people to take action to help change the world for the better.

“In Scotland, we are committed to this. We lead the world in renewable energy and, with more than half of Europe's identified offshore CO2 storage capacity in the Central North Sea, we have the potential to do likewise with carbon capture and storage technology. Our commitment and expertise in this area is an important element of Scotland’s contribution to international development, and our cooperation with South Africa is an important part of that.

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“In fact, our commitment to supporting climate justice has recently attracted praise from Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa in a message that he sent to the people of Scotland to mark Mandela Day.

“I am delighted that Scotland and South Africa are working together at such an exciting time for new energy technology, and I will look forward to seeing how this partnership develops in the coming years.”

The United Nations designated Mandela Day to promote voluntary activity in recognition of the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent in public service, including 27 years in prison. It encourages everyone to devote 67 minutes to voluntary activity. Mandela Day this year is also Mr Mandela’s 94th birthday.

(GK)