SNP Government economic plans based on flimsy claims about number of green jobs neglect North Sea oil industry potential

John Swinney has struck a note of desperation in his claims about Scotland’s green economy just as an energy giant provided a reminder of the scale of the opportunities that SNP Governments have squandered.

The first minister put tackling the climate emergency at the centre of the Programme for Government (PfG) which he published last week in a bid to show his administration could be trusted to lead Scotland on a path to sustainable growth.

The programme insisted that Scotland had outperformed the rest of the UK under SNP Governments since 2007 and held out the prospect of an even brighter future powered by windfarms and the like.

“Scotland’s economy is resilient despite challenging global circumstances and the structural weakness of the Westminster economic system,” declared the programme.

It added: “With our vast renewable resources, expertise and ingenuity, we can lower our own climate impact and help others move to net zero, while ensuring Scotland becomes more climate resilient and prosperous, creating jobs, warmer homes and lowering costs for households.”

The comments are a variation on a theme that has been rehearsed by SNP first ministers since Alex Salmond, despite clear signs that the economic benefits resulting from renewables developments have been hogged by firms based outside Scotland.

SNP Government deluded as outlook darkens for key Scottish industry

North Sea oil giants celebrate bumper profits amid cost of living crisis

Are Scottish energy minister's carbon capture boom claims a waste of hot air?

Scotland windfarm cost concerns mount as developments stall

Embattled Great British Energy boss 'incredibly proud' of quango's achievements

While Mr Salmond’s boast that Scotland would become the Saudi Arabia of marine energy........

© Herald Scotland