The lack of a coherent industrial strategy in Scotland is alarming, particularly with a Holyrood election looming. argues Herald columnist Roz Foyer.

The debate over Scottish industrial policy is heating up daily and things are not getting any better with a Holyrood election around the corner.

Eight years ago this month, 1,000 workers from BiFab facilities marched down the Royal Mile, descending on the Scottish Parliament, demanding government support and industry guarantees to secure the future of the yards at Methil, Burntisland and Arnish as part of the offshore wind supply chain.

The battle, which rumbled on for years, was only partially won. Work continues at reduced capacity at Methil and Arnish. Ownership has passed through the hands of Harland and Wolff, and now it’s with the Spanish Government-owned ship-building company, Navantia.

Last week the first shipment of XXL monopile foundations for Inch Cape Offshore wind farm arrived in Leith. It followed a six-week sea journey from China. In the same week focus turned to the potential for Chinese company Ming Yang super plant to be given permission to construct a major wind turbine manufacturing facility at Ardersier in the Highland Green Freeport zone.

An estimated £1.5billion would be invested creating some 1,500 jobs. Ming Yang has been assiduously courted by the Scottish Government. However, the site will require UK Government permission.

Security concerns sitting within the wider politics of the Chinese “spying case” may yet prevent the development from going forward.

Whatever the final resolution there will........

© Herald Scotland