Scotland in £12.6bn ‘black hole’ despite North Sea tax receipts
Scotland had a £12.6bn deficit last year despite more than £1.4billion in North Sea receipts, according to new tax and spending figures.
Scotland
Hydrogen economy could insulate Scotland from volatile oil price
In the week or so before I sat down at my desk to write this column, four important and potentially linked events took place.
Hypothermia, falls and electrocution – figures lay bare Scotland’s windfarm injuries
Hypothermia, falls from height and electrocution are among the injuries caused to Scotland’s windfarm workers over the last five years, according to new figures.
OPEC boss commends Scottish transition but claims ‘all types of energy will be required’
The boss of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has commended Scotland on its efforts to transition to cleaner energy, but added that "all types of energy will be needed".
Foreign investment in Scottish projects falls, EY report says
The number of projects involving foreign firms investing in Scotland fell by almost one-fifth last year, a new report has revealed.
Beatrice reaches renewables record for Scottish output
Operators of the Beatrice offshore windfarm say it has produced the highest amount of energy from any single renewables source in Scotland to date.
Scottish renewables firms exporting to more than 70 countries
More than 70 countries across the world are benefiting from Scotland's knowledge of renewable energy, a survey suggests.
Construction completed at Scotland’s largest offshore windfarm
Work has been completed at the largest offshore windfarm in Scotland.
MSPs to debate new law to tackle climate change
A proposed new law to bring in tougher climate change targets in Scotland faces its first hurdle at Holyrood amid calls for more urgent action.
Renewable electricity generation hits record high in Scotland
The generation of renewable electricity in Scotland reached record levels last year, according to official statistics.
Greens call for fracking ban after third consultation announced
The Scottish Green Party will urge the Scottish Parliament to declare a "climate emergency" in a debate at Holyrood.
We must be bigger cog in renewables chain
Electricity from renewable energy is essential for modern living and mitigating climate change, but here in the north, our people are getting a very poor deal.
Scottish ports on the crest of a wave
You may be relieved to know that this is not an article about Brexit. However, every cloud has a silver lining - because the last six months of Brexit-related debate have in fact seen the UK’s ports sector attract an unusual amount of political, and therefore public, attention.
Renewable energy meets over 70% of Scotland’s needs
Renewable energy is now able to meet more than 70% of Scotland's energy requirement, according to new stats.
Scottish state energy firm must be at ‘heart of policy-making’
A publicly owned energy company must be positioned at the heart of policy making, according to a Holyrood committee.
First member of Scots carbon-neutral commission announced
The first members of a Scottish climate change committee have been announced following a pledge to become carbon neutral.
Sturgeon urged to be ‘true to her word’ and bring in legal ban on fracking
Ministers have confirmed they are consulting on their "preferred policy position" of fracking being prohibited in Scotland, more than a year after the First Minister said the controversial practice was being banned "end of story".
Scotland axes plan for Saudi trade post
The Scottish Government has U-turned on plans to recruit a trade specialist to drive up business between Saudi Arabia and domestic energy firms.
Scotland beats rest of UK in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, report
Scotland is outperforming the rest of the UK in reducing greenhouse gas emissions - but success in areas such as energy and waste is masking a lack of action in other sectors, a report has said.
Extra support needed for vulnerable electricity consumers, report finds
Scotland's electricity distribution networks have been urged to boost support for vulnerable customers.
Slowdown in oil sector hit GDP growth in Scotland, report claims
Scotland's economy has "lagged behind" that of other advanced small nations, according to a report which put the country bottom of the list for a key performance measure.
Scottish Government approaching fuel poverty question from wrong direction
The announcement of a publicly-owned Scottish Energy Company to take on the fat-cats and send prices tumbling served its immediate, and perhaps only, purpose – i.e. it had last October’s SNP conference whooping and cheering.
Wind turbine contribution powers up
Wind turbines in Scotland provided a 44% increase in power to the National Grid during the first quarter of 2018, compared to the same period last year, environmental groups have said.
Oil and gas in strong showing as Scots exports rise by 19%
Scottish goods exports have risen by nearly a fifth, with oil and gas the fastest rising, according to new figures.
Scotland dubbed ‘sickie’ capital of the UK
Scotland has been dubbed the “sickie” capital of the UK with more workers faking illness than in any other part of Britain.