Maree Todd says hundreds of energy jobs at Wick 'are exactly what we need'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SNP candidate Maree Todd has said that plans to create as many as 300 energy jobs at Wick harbour will help tackle depopulation in Caithness.
She insists that career opportunities in vessel maintenance and marine engineering "are exactly what we need" as they will attract new people to the area as well as retaining local talent.
Ms Todd, the SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross in next month's Scottish Parliament election, was speaking after a visit to the port to hear about the ambitious blueprint being developed by Wick Harbour Authority.
Wick is already the operations and maintenance base for the 84-turbine Beatrice offshore farm, which was officially opened in 2019, and efforts are being stepped up to attract further work in support of the renewables industry.
Ms Todd also heard about plans for a major upgrade at the harbour with the installation of a high-water protection gate.
“It was encouraging to hear of Wick Harbour Authority’s plans to create 300 quality jobs by 2024," she said. "One of the major challenges we face across the constituency, but more prominently in Caithness, is the lack of job opportunities – a contributing factor to depopulation in the area.
“The high-quality jobs that the harbour authority plans to bring forward in the likes of vessel maintenance and marine engineering are exactly what we need. Not only will this help us retain our talent but it will also help attract new people to the area.
“It was interesting to hear all about the proposed high-water protection gate which will allow for safe berthing all year round, resulting in improved harbour revenue, full-time jobs and wider economic and social benefits to the Caithness economy.”
The harbour, which is in close proximity to the offshore wind farm sites in the Moray Firth, is well placed to capitalise on emerging floating offshore wind technology and oil and gas decommissioning work.
Ms Todd said: "The harbour has benefited greatly from the Beatrice offshore wind farm and is ideally situated for further expansion in operations and maintenance activities.
“The likes of floating and tidal wind really are the future and we have the assets in abundance here in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross. We must adapt so we can fully harness these assets and maximise on their benefits.
“The SNP has bold plans for a green recovery from the pandemic. Within that is a commitment to creating high-value, sustainable jobs. It’s great to see this already taking place locally, with the likes of Wick Harbour Authority leading the way.”
In February, Wick Harbour Authority won the accolade for Best Offshore Renewable Energy Project at the Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards 2021.
Speaking at the time, harbour master Malcolm Bremner said: “Wick Harbour Authority is receiving a number of enquiries about the next round of offshore wind leasing sites and how we may be able to facilitate their potential operations.
“There is a bright future for Caithness, and in particular Wick harbour, with the potential of many jobs being created in this fast-growing industry.”
Related story:
