A prominent MSP has tabled a formal motion within the Scottish Parliament to recognise International Electricians' Day 2026 and highlight the profession's significant contribution to Scottish communities and the broader economy.

The SNP's Colin Beattie lodged the declaration in advance of the event next Wednesday (June 10), which celebrates the 2.7 million electrotechnical professionals employed across Europe.

Mr Beattie utilised the motion to state that electricians are "essential" to achieving Scotland's transition to net zero, whilst commending the trade association SELECT for its continuous support and drawing attention to the requirement to address the sector's current skills shortage.

Published on the official Scottish Parliament website, the motion from Mr Beattie – who was returned for Midlothian North at the recent parliamentary elections – states that the Parliament "recognises International Electricians' Day, which is marked annually on 10 June to highlight the contribution of electrical professionals.

"The Parliament acknowledges the vital role that electricians play across Scotland in designing, installing and maintaining electrical systems that keep homes powered, public services operational, hospitals functioning and businesses productive and commends electricians and electrical contractors working across Scotland for their contribution to communities and the economy.

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"It also recognises the contribution of SELECT, the trade association for the electrical contracting industry in Scotland, in supporting the profession, promoting skills development and maintaining high standards across the sector."

Since being tabled on 29 May, the motion has attracted the backing of ten other MSPs. It further notes that the Parliament "recognises that electricians are essential to delivering Scotland's transition to net zero, including through the rollout of renewable energy, electrification of heat and transport and the modernisation of buildings and infrastructure.

"It also notes with concern the ongoing skills shortages within the electrical profession and the need to attract and retain new apprentices and adult trainees and notes calls for the Scottish Government, employers and training providers to continue to promote careers in the electrical trades and support apprenticeships and skills development to meet future needs."

Sharon Miller, the new Managing Director at SELECT, commented: "We are very grateful that Mr Beattie has highlighted this important day, which is being promoted by our friends at EuropeOn, the European voice of the electrical contracting industry, with the message 'Skilled Hands, Resilient Europe'.

"It is very timely that the Scottish Parliament is helping to celebrate the men and women who not only keep the lights burning and wheels turning across the country, but are integral to the administration's ongoing commitment to building a greener, fairer society.

"However, as the motion states, we must also be aware of the challenges the sector faces, including skills shortages and the need to attract and retain new apprentices and adult trainees, an issue on which SELECT has consistently campaigned."

Mr Beattie has maintained long-term backing for SELECT's active campaign for regulation, which seeks to establish it as an offence for individuals to refer to themselves as electricians if they possess inadequate or no qualifications.

He stands alongside numerous politicians who have added their names to the association's Wall of Support. This includes newly elected MSPs David Barratt and Lloyd Melville, who pledged their support shortly after winning seats in the new Scottish Parliament in May.