MSPs join forces to back city's green bank bid

Local MSPs from across the political parties have today added their joint support for Edinburgh's bid to host the UK's first Green Investment Bank.

In an open letter to local MPs Mike Crockart and Mark Lazarowicz, who will present the business case to Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore along with Ron Hewitt from Edinburgh's Chamber of Commerce on March 30, the group of MSPs have backed the city's bid to be home of the Green Investment Bank and its 1 billion-plus investment.

MSPs Margaret Smith, Margo MacDonald, David McLetchie, Malcolm Chisholm, Robin Harper and Ian McKee, who all represent Edinburgh or the Lothian region, highlighted Edinburgh's unique position as a city with financial pedigree as well as businesses and academic institutions leading the way in green technology and the renewables sector.

Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West said: "I think Edinburgh as Scotland's capital and one of the country's major financial sectors with its wealth of experience is well placed to embrace the opportunities that the Green Investment Bank would bring."