Meeting of the Parliament 27 November 2025
Today, in Shetland, another major developer is hosting a local event about future energy connections across Shetland. The oil and gas industry has been a critical part of Shetland’s economy for the past 50 years. Shetlanders are not against innovation, but many have raised with me a feeling that our islands are being swamped with new energy developments. People who tolerated the divisive Viking wind farm development are now pushing back against what is described as the continual and creeping industrialisation of Shetland, including proposals for more pylons across the landscape and a green ammonia plant.
One constituent, who asks for all cables to be underground, writes:
“The push for renewable energy is attributed to providing a future plan to tackle climate change, but will there be a future for Shetland if all proposed developments go ahead as planned?”
Does the cabinet secretary agree that, when communities such as Shetland host significant national energy generation but continue to have high levels of fuel poverty, there is something wrong with the system? Does she agree that local communities—