The North East of Scotland is set to benefit from £8.5 million in new funding from the Just Transition Fund, aimed at supporting workers and communities transitioning to clean energy careers.

The funding is being allocated to four projects this year, specifically focusing on offshore wind infrastructure and supply chain development. This investment reinforces the Scottish Government's commitment to economic development in areas that have historically provided energy security through oil and gas.

Funded Projects

The successful projects receiving investment are:

• Cable Handling Facility, Maritime Developments Ltd: £2.9 million

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• Orah Assembly and Deployment, Verlume Ltd: £2.5 million

• Enabling Renewable Energy Infrastructure, Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners: £2.4 million

• Large Scale Synthetic Mooring Line Test Rig, ORE Catapult: £500,000

First Minister John Swinney said the new round of funding "responds to the immediate priorities of energy businesses in the North East" and focuses on projects with a "clear goal of supporting jobs and maximising economic opportunities in the region".

He added: "The North East has long been a titan of the oil and gas industries and we must move forward together towards a cleaner, more sustainable world. Just Transition funding aims to ensure no one is left behind."

The funding also marks the start of Scotland's Climate Week. Coinciding with the announcement, the First Minister officially opened Scotland's largest Energy Transition Skills Hub at North East Scotland College in Aberdeen. This new centre of excellence, which received £4.5 million from the Just Transition Fund, is a collaboration between the Scottish Government, Energy Transition Zone (ETZ), the college, and Shell UK, and will train young people for highly skilled roles in the growing renewables sector.