Leith 'ideally placed' for wind industry boost

leith is ideally placed to benefit from a new £70 million fund to stimulate the offshore wind industry and create thousands of jobs, says Lothians SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville.

The National Renewable Infrastructure Fund, announced by First Minister Alex Salmond, aims to improve ports, manufacturing facilities and the supply chain for the development of green energy and attract private investment.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Enterprise National Renewable Infrastructure Plan picked out Leith as the ideal site for manufacturing and construction of wind turbines.

Ms Somerville said the new fund would help ensure the infrastructure required for new offshore wind farms will create manufacturing jobs in Scotland, including in Leith. She said: "Off-shore wind power is going to be pivotal to our ambition of creating a low-carbon economy.

"Recent reports suggest that tens of thousands of jobs can be created through developing offshore wind. Leith is perfectly placed to benefit, having already been identified as the ideal location for the building of off-shore wind turbines".