Below is a letter regarding the energy park from Iain Gray MSP - Thank you for contacting me regarding the Scottish Enterprise scoping study for an energy park on the Scottish Power site at Cockenzie. As you are probably aware this is a Scottish Government proposal for a facility to service proposed offshore wind projects, being pursued on the SG’s behalf by Scottish Enterprise. The land in question is owned by Scottish Power, and how it is finally used now that the power station has closed is clearly a very important matter for the local community and wider East Lothian. There have of course been other suggestions, such as a cruise ship terminal, and of course a replacement power station. Given that the energy park proposal could create a significant number of skilled jobs in the area, and generate income for the local economy, I do not think it is an idea which can be dismissed out of hand. However I can only agree with you that there are significant questions and concerns which have been raised by local residents, and Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government must address these with local people. This cannot be a deal simply negotiated between the agencies of the Scottish Government and Scottish Power to the exclusion of local representatives and residents. I have already written some time ago to John Swinney, the responsible Cabinet Secretary and asked for a meeting with him, and East Lothian Council, to raise some of these issues. However he has not so far agreed to such a discussion. Along with my colleague Fiona O’Donnell MP, I have also asked for a meeting with Scottish Enterprise for an update and to ask how they are taking local concerns into consideration.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:58:15 +0000
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