Scotland’s Energy Should Power Scotland’s Future

I was saddened to learn that Bo’ness Iron Works – Ballantine Castings – has gone out of business, with the loss of 40 skilled jobs. The closure of this historic foundry, known worldwide for its craftsmanship, is a huge blow to our community and to Scotland’s industrial heritage.

What makes this even more frustrating is that exorbitant energy costs were cited as a key reason for its collapse. This is not a surprise. Back in 2022, I directly challenged the Tory Prime Minister of the day about the lack of support for this strategically important, energy-intensive business. The warning signs were clear – yet Westminster did nothing.

Scotland is an energy-rich nation. We have vast renewable resources, world-leading offshore wind capacity, and deep expertise in energy production. But the decisions about energy pricing and investment are still made in Westminster – and time and again, that system fails Scotland.

Labour promised during the last election to cut household energy bills by £300. A year on, bills have instead risen by £150 – and are set to rise again. Despite generating more electricity than we consume, our communities still face some of the highest bills in the UK.

A zonal pricing system, which 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 already home to one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms – capable of producing enough electricity 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.