THERE was a jovial atmosphere within the four walls of Lerwick Town Hall earlier this morning (Tuesday) for the Up Helly Aa civic reception - with laughs aplenty. Guizer jarl Richard Moar was given a warm welcome from Shetland Islands Council convener Andrea Manson following a.
Why oil money is still essential to Scotland s political future Can the SNP, once the party of Scotland s oil , wean the country off the revenues of the North Sea? Last year, more than 90 per cent of Scotland’s electricity was generated by renewable energy sources such as onshore wind and hydroelectric power. The promise of a net-zero society by 2045 is a key element in the SNP’s manifesto. But the economic case for independence has long focused on “Scotland s oil”, as the SNP was keen to describe North Sea reserves in the 1970s. Now, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has to persuade the public that the oil of the North Sea can be replaced by Scotland’s wind.
SCOTLAND should develop its competitive advantage in green energy, which could be an “important part” of the economic case for independence, according to economists. Experts at Edinburgh Napier University say the country’s wind power could also be presented as a benefit when it comes to potentially rejoining the European Union. New figures published last month revealed 97.4% of electricity was generated from renewable sources in Scotland last year. A target of 100% was narrowly missed – although that was set in 2011, when renewable energy such as wind and hydro generated just 37% of national demand. Dr Kenny Crossan, lecturer in economics at Edinburgh Napier University, argued more could be done to harness the economic benefits of renewables.