MSPs back capital’s bid for bank HQ

MSPs have backed Edinburgh’s bid to become home to the UK Green Investment Bank.

Speaking in a Holyrood debate yesterday, energy minister Fergus Ewing called on MSPs to unite in their support for the bid, saying Edinburgh’s Green Investment Bank Group had made a “compelling argument”.

He said: “As we await the decision by the UK government, I am asking that this parliament once again shows unanimity in recognising the strength of Edinburgh’s bid, and the considerable benefits to the UK by having the Green Investment Bank located in Edinburgh.”

He added: “I am sure that we are all convinced of the merits of the bid.”

Mr Ewing said: “Edinburgh is the only location in the UK which brings together both finance and the clean-energy industry in a single location. It has an unrivalled concentration of industry skills and experience.”

Edinburgh is one of 32 UK towns and cities to put themselves forward to host the headquarters of the proposed new institution.

The UK government is setting up what it describes as “the world’s first investment bank solely dedicated to greening the economy”.

A decision on where the bank will be based is expected by the end of this month.