Dozens of Scotland's prominent business organisations, trade unions, and industry leaders have officially backed Scottish Renewables' "Scottish Energy Pledge" as the country prepares for the upcoming election on May 7. The initiative aims to highlight the critical necessity of domestic energy production and urges political parties to move beyond campaign rhetoric to secure a resilient energy future.

The list of influential signatories includes former Aberdeen Asset Management chief executive Martin Gilbert, Balmoral Group chairman Sir James Milne, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and Offshore Energies UK. Supporters argue that the pledge demonstrates broad, cross-sector consensus for a pragmatic energy policy that prioritises investment and infrastructure over political divisions.

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, commented: "Scotland's energy industry represents a defining economic opportunity, with our geographic strengths placing us at the heart of the UK's future energy mix. This pledge reflects the clear ambition of Scotland's business community to help deliver an affordable, secure and resilient energy system. That will require accelerating the build-out of renewable energy and grid infrastructure, alongside reforms to transmission charges that better support investment in Scotland. With the right policy and regulatory support, we can unlock the value of our future pipeline and operational assets for consumers and the wider economy in the years ahead."

-- Advertisement --

The pledge specifically calls for a strategy grounded in regional regeneration, advanced manufacturing, and domestic production. It emphasises that the next Scottish Government must recognise the value of every asset within the national energy mix to successfully attract investment and protect jobs.

David Whitehouse, Chief Executive of Offshore Energies UK, noted: "Scotland and the wider UK need a pragmatic energy strategy that recognises where we are today and where we are heading. That means backing domestic oil and gas production alongside the build-out of renewable energy and the infrastructure needed to support both. Energy security, jobs and investment all depend on stable policy and a serious commitment to homegrown supply. This pledge reflects the need for a balanced approach that gives industry the confidence to invest and helps ensure the benefits are felt in communities across Scotland."

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce also stressed that the competitiveness of local firms depends on adequate grid capacity and robust supply chains.

Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, added: "Energy policy is central to the competitiveness of Scotland's businesses. Firms need confidence that they have the right infrastructure, supply chains and grid capacity in place to support growth. This pledge reflects the need for a balanced approach that supports domestic energy production, renewables, and grid investment, while ensuring local economies see the benefit. That balance is critical to securing long-term investment and strengthening Scotland's energy security."