Offshore wind ‘one of Scotland’s greatest modern success stories’ – Swinney

Offshore wind is “one of Scotland’s greatest modern success stories”, First Minister John Swinney has said, as he is set to open a new development.

Swinney will visit the operations centre for the Neart na Gaoithe in Eyemouth, East Lothian, on Thursday.

The 54-turbine project off the Fife coast hopes to produce up to 450 megawatts of energy – enough to power 375,000 homes.

Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, Swinney said: “Offshore wind is rapidly becoming one of Scotland’s greatest modern success stories, with the sector already creating significant opportunities, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.

“It is essential that people across Scotland are able to reap the considerable benefits that offshore wind promises.

“Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm – and in particular its operations and maintenance base at Eyemouth – shows what can happen when industry and communities work together.

“The development will not only provide clean, sustainable energy but deliver lasting benefits to the community of Eyemouth and beyond, through the creation of around 50 high quality, permanent jobs across office-based and operational roles over the next 25 years.

“This drive to maximise the local economic benefit of offshore wind is something that is critically important for the Scottish Government; and Eyemouth is an excellent example of how this can be achieved.”