Dear {name}

I was saddened to hear the news that Bo’ness Iron Works, Ballantine Castings, has gone out of business with the loss of 40 skilled jobs. Closure of this historic foundry, known worldwide for its craftsmanship, is a blow to both the local community and Scotland’s industrial heritage. What makes it even more frustrating is that the company cited exorbitant energy costs as a key reason for its collapse.

This didn’t come out of the blue. Back in 2022, I directly challenged the Tory Prime Minister of the day on the lack of support for this strategically important, energy-intensive business. Sadly, the warnings went unheeded—and this is the result.  (see the video above)

Scotland is an energy-rich nation. With our vast renewable resources—especially offshore wind—to our deep expertise in energy production, we are more than capable of leading the clean energy revolution. Yet decisions about our energy system, pricing, and investment are still made at Westminster. And time and again, that system has failed Scotland.

Labour promised during the last election to cut household energy bills by £300. A year on, bills have instead risen by £150—and they’re set to rise again. Meanwhile, Scotland generates more electricity than we consume, but our communities still face some of the highest energy bills in the UK.

Zonal pricing—an approach that would have helped cut bills in Scotland—was ruled out by Labour at Westminster. Under devolution, we have no power to change that. Only independence will allow us to take full control of our energy future.

Scotland is home to one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms, set to generate enough energy to power every home in Scotland twice over.

We should be building a nation where our natural resources benefit the people who live here. Where energy powers prosperity—not closures.

It’s Scotland’s energy. It should power Scotland’s future.

Yours for Scotland,

Martyn Day

SNP Candidate for Falkirk East and Linlithgow

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