Scotland's Economy

  • This week 2/11/18

    2nd November 2018 by

    Introducing the business rates cap Hotels across Scotland and offices in Aberdeen are amongst those who will benefit from a cap to their business rates bill following an announcement by Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes. Having already benefited from the cap in 2017-18 and 2018-19, hospitality businesses will now see rates capped at a maximum...

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  • Delivering world class infrastructure for Scotland

    19th October 2018 by

    When the First Minister announced a reshuffle of her Cabinet in the summer I was honoured to take on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity. The creation of this portfolio highlights the importance we as a Government place on investment in infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth. As the...

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  • Scotland is an energy rich nation

    31st August 2018 by

    Scotland has been at the heart of the global oil and gas industry for decades and, more recently, has been a driving force behind the renewable energy revolution, and has demonstrated high ambition with our world-leading targets and frameworks for mitigation of climate change. Yet, despite Scotland’s comparative advantage in energy resources, there are still...

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  • This week – 10/08/18

    11th August 2018 by

    Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal This week First Minister Nicola Sturgeon formally signed off the Scottish Government’s investment in the ambitious Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. The £1.3 billion deal will deliver inclusive economic growth across the region through housing, innovation, transport, skills and culture. The Scottish Government and the...

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  • Scotland can benefit from lucrative decommissioning market – Paul Wheelhouse

    1st December 2017 by

    Paul Wheelhouse, Scottish Government Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy “The North Sea’s oil and gas reserves remain significant – even after decades of production and prosperity. “There are up to 20 billion barrels of reserves still to be recovered and production is likely to continue for at least another 20 years.  “While maximising economic...

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  • How can we improve our energy?

    28th April 2017 by

    How can we improve our energy? What difference will it make? This is my second blog in a series covering the draft Energy Strategy while it’s out to consultation, and today I’m looking at our current use of energy and how our planned changes might affect our day to day lives and how changes might...

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  • The future of energy in Scotland

    6th April 2017 by

    Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse with the first in a series of four blogs on the draft Energy Strategy, currently in consultation.

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  • Boost for renewable energy

    8th July 2016 by

    Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse visited Levenmouth to announce new funding for cutting edge renewable technology and to meet interns learning about the sector. The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, a leading offshore renewable research centre will receive, £215,000 to develop a digital clone of their demonstration offshore wind turbine. Watch Mr...

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  • FM announces support for oil and gas industry

    4th February 2016 by

    Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland plays a crucial part in our economy and remains central to driving future growth and prosperity in Scotland. Clearly, the oil and gas industry is central to Aberdeen’s economy and will continue to be for decades to come, but there is also enormous potential elsewhere in the region....

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  • Taskforce set up to support oil & gas jobs

    14th January 2015 by

    A new Energy Jobs Taskforce will be established to support Scotland’s oil and gas sector, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced today. The new Taskforce, chaired by Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Lena Wilson, will report to the Scottish Energy Advisory Board and will focus on supporting jobs across the energy sector, but with an initial emphasis...

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