Renewables industry in Scottish jobs claim

The renewables industry said political support is key to its future

The body representing the renewables industry has published research which claims it supports more than 11,000 full-time jobs in Scotland.

Scottish Renewables predicted the total will increase as the sector develops.

The survey indicated direct employment of 1,526 people, with a further 8,701 in the supply chain and 909 jobs in academia and the public sector.

The industry warned that political support is key to its continued success.

Scottish Renewables Chief Executive Niall Stuart said: "The report shows that renewables are not only a major part of our energy mix, they are now a major part of our economy and our daily working day lives, supporting more than 11,000 jobs across Scotland.

"The report also highlights that for every job in renewable energy development, there are around six more in the direct supply chain.

"These numbers are actually just the tip of the iceberg, with many thousands more employees supported indirectly by the growth of the renewables sector which have not been captured by this study."

The report from Scottish Renewables was based on a survey of more than 200 companies working in a variety of technologies including wind, wave and tidal, bioenergy, solar and hydropower.

It was published to coincide with the Scottish Renewables annual conference.

Mr Stuart added: "With continued political support, the right market framework, the right balance in the planning system, and investment in grid and ports and harbour infrastructure, we will ensure the creation of many thousands more jobs in this exciting new sector."