Holyrood hears fears that superfast broadband target will be missed
Fears have been raised that the SNP’s £600 million pledge to deliver superfast broadband to all Scottish homes and offices could be three years late.
paul wheelhouse
Flagship plan to regenerate Scotland’s islands comes under fire
Islands minster Paul Wheelhouse said some island communities face becoming “the next St Kilda” because they are losing so many young people.
Ferry delays and cancellations fast becoming a ‘scandal’ claims Tory MSP
The Scottish Tories yesterday accused the government of letting down island communities due to the "scandal" of repeated ferry delays and cancellations.
Tory MSP Edward Mountain raises fears about rural broadband
Fears rural households may face higher internet charges were raised yesterday after it emerged the R100 broadband procurement programme will not achieve 100% coverage on its own.
Ministers accused of ‘abandoning’ key broadband pledge
The Scottish Government was yesterday accused of “abandoning” their election promise to deliver 100% superfast broadband by 2021.
‘Momentous day’ as charter agreement signed for Western Isles to help address depopulation issue
The signing of a charter agreement between the Western Isles Council and Skills Development Scotland was yesterday described as "a momentous day”.
Calls for more ferries and inter-island tunnels during Holyrood debate on islands transport
At least 12 new vessels are needed for Scotland’s ferry network and more inter-island tunnels and bridges should be built, Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse was told yesterday.
Depopulation is a ‘real threat’ to some island communities, says Scottish Government strategy document
Falling population is a “real threat” to the future of many Scottish island communities, a Scottish Government report has warned.
Scot Gov ‘regrets’ offshore wind supply chain lockout, Wheelhouse says
Scotland’s Energy Minister said yesterday that his government “regrets” the lack of provision made for local firms within rules for offshore wind project auctions.
Ministers extend Ineos’s fracking licence in Scotland despite supposed ‘ban’
The fracking licence held by petrochemical giant Ineos has been extended for another year by Scottish ministers.
£600 million superfast broadband project hit by delays
The £600 million drive to give every Scottish property superfast broadband by 2021 has been hit by delays, prompting fears the target will be missed.
SNP attack BBC’s Question Time for letting former Tory MSP ask a question from the audience
SNP politicians have attacked the BBC for letting an ex-Tory MSP ask a question from the audience when Question Time came to Elgin.
‘Conditions’ could be added to future offshore wind awards, Scot Gov says
Scotland’s finance secretary has promised to explore adding “conditions” to future offshore wind farm projects to include local businesses and jobs, following a summit at Holyrood yesterday.
Anger over fresh delay to CalMac ferries
The launch of two long-awaited CalMac vessels has been delayed yet again amid anger that islanders are being left “in limbo” when it comes to lifeline ferry services.
Record payments made to Scottish wind farms in March
Payments to onshore wind farms hit a record high last month.
Wind farm concerns in Moray to be brought up with Scottish Government’s energy minister
Fears the number of wind farms being built in Moray could soon reach a “tipping point” are to be taken directly to the Scottish Government’s energy minister.
Public foots bill for pair of lifeline freight ferries
The Scottish Government has bought the two freight ferries that serve the lifeline northern isles network.
‘Patience wearing thin’ with opportunistic wind developers, warns Wheelhouse
Scotland’s energy minister said “patience was wearing thin” with wind developers who take Scottish Government support, only to hand construction contracts to foreign suppliers.
Carbon push won’t shut down North Sea overnight, pledges energy minister
The Scottish Government has pledged to continue to “champion” North Sea oil and gas, despite “difficulties” posed by a growing focus on climate change.
No-deal Brexit ‘hugely damaging’ for oil and gas, says energy minister
Scotland’s energy minister has said a no deal Brexit scenario would be “hugely damaging” to the North Sea oil and gas sector.
No-deal Brexit would be ‘hugely damaging’ for oil and gas, warns Scottish energy minister
Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse has warned leaving the EU without a deal would be “hugely damaging” for the oil and gas sector and a “real mistake”.
Commons must have say on Brexit, MPs warn government
MPs have warned the UK Government must not use “trickery” or “loopholes” to prevent the Commons from having its say on Brexit.
Concerned ferry groups to express opinions about island crossing to islands minister
Ferry campaigners have welcomed news that the islands minister has been invited to visit the Skye ferry to hear their opinions first hand.
Scottish Government will look at leasing ferries to help ease pressures caused by breakdowns
The Scottish Government is looking at leasing ferries to help cope with pressures caused by breakdowns around the network.
Fair Isle celebrating historic milestone as 24-hour power supply goes live
Residents on the Fair Isle are celebrating today as a renewable energy system goes live, giving them a 24-hour power supply for the first time in the island’s history.
Harbour project hope for government green light
A major project aimed at helping Shetland win more decommissioning work does not hinge entirely on the UK Government agreeing to provide financial support, Scotland’s energy minister said yesterday.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon lauds potential of Aberdeen Bay turbines
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon lauded the “huge potential” for the future of Scotland’s energy sector as she officially opened the Aberdeen bay offshore windfarm development yesterday.
Major boost to Scotland by fracking, says expert
Onshore oil and gas production would be a “powerful addition” to Scotland’s “portfolio”, an industry veteran said yesterday.
Industry owes it to Piper families to make North Sea safest in world
Scotland’s energy minister has said the industry owes it to the families of Piper Alpha victims to make the North Sea the safest place in the world for oil and gas operations.
Energy minister to address Piper Alpha conference
Scottish energy minister Paul Wheelhouse will give a keynote speech at a conference marking 30 years since the Piper Alpha disaster.
Wheelhouse calls for Westminster to back low cost renewables
Scottish energy minister Paul Wheelhouse has urged the UK Government to review its position on low cost renewables and recognise the challenges faced by remote island projects.
MSP claims “no evidence” Young’s taskforce has helped
A north-east MSP has claimed there is “no evidence” that a specialist task force set up to help people back into work has created a single job.