More than 500 jobs are set to be created and supported across the North East of Scotland after the Scottish Government announced funding for 22 new projects through its Just Transition Fund.
The £17.5 million investment was officially launched by First Minister John Swinney during a visit to Hydrasun, a North East manufacturing company that will receive £1.9 million in funding as part of the latest round.
The programme will support seven commercial projects alongside 15 community-led initiatives through a newly established funding stream. These community projects are designed to address fuel poverty, reduce child poverty, strengthen climate resilience and support nature restoration efforts.
As well as driving economic growth, the funding package will help develop the region's future workforce. Around 350 learners each year will benefit from industry-aligned training opportunities, helping them gain the skills needed to support Scotland's transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Scottish Government expects the investment to attract an additional £10 million in private sector funding, helping to accelerate innovation and create longer-term economic benefits across the region.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“This funding will create and support hundreds of jobs in the North East of Scotland, helping to ensure they are at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.
“The workforce here are among the most skilled and experienced in the world – and the jobs and investment we are announcing today will help to ensure that remarkable energy expertise is preserved.
“While we will be continuing to use oil and gas for years to come, I want to ensure that workers here are also the foundation of our clean energy future.
“Scotland is an energy superpower, and the workers, businesses and communities of the North East will be vital in ensuring we capitalise on our remarkable renewable energy resources.”
The latest funding round reinforces the Scottish Government's commitment to delivering a fair and managed transition to net zero, while ensuring communities and businesses across the North East continue to benefit from investment, skills development and job creation.
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