Stephen Flynn has pledged to take a “bold, innovative and ambitious” approach to securing the future of Scotland’s industrial heartlands following his first official engagement as Economy Secretary.
During a visit to Grangemouth, Flynn met former workers from the Grangemouth refinery and the ExxonMobil Mossmorran ethylene plant alongside representatives from Unite the Union as discussions continue around the future of industrial jobs and investment in Scotland.
Flynn also toured the facilities of Celtic Renewables at the Grangemouth Industrial Complex where the company is developing a major biorefinery project backed by £11 million in funding from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.
The company is expected to create almost 150 jobs by 2030 as part of wider efforts to develop greener industrial opportunities within Scotland’s manufacturing and energy sectors.
Speaking during the visit, Flynn said:
“It has been heartening to hear more about the work that has been undertaken by a wide range of partners to support affected workers at Grangemouth and Mossmorran and drive positive outcomes for them and their families.
“I was also pleased to visit Celtic Renewables, a growing success story which illustrates that there can and must be an incredibly bright and positive future for our industrial heartlands and the communities they support.
“It is imperative that we are bold, innovative and ambitious in collectively shaping Scotland’s industrial future.
“I will work to ensure strong, vibrant and indispensable industries which have been let down by successive UK Governments are at the heart of Scotland’s economy.”
Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie also highlighted the importance of long term investment and support for industrial innovation at Grangemouth.
He said:
“It was great to join the Cabinet Secretary at Celtic Renewables and show first hand Scottish Enterprise’s continuing commitment to Grangemouth.
“Celtic Renewables is a strong example of an innovative, scaling company that has benefitted from Grangemouth’s excellent connectivity and skills, enabled by funding and support from Scottish Enterprise and our partners.
“We’ve worked with the company since its startup in 2011 and continue to do so as it accelerates plans for a full scale biorefinery creating more high quality jobs.”
The visit comes during a period of uncertainty for Scotland’s traditional industrial sectors as concerns continue around refinery closures, energy transition and long term employment security.
For the Scottish Government, the challenge now lies in convincing workers and communities that industrial transition can deliver not just environmental targets but real long term jobs, investment and economic resilience.
