Russell Findlay has warned more businesses will move abroad if both of Scotland’s governments don’t drop their presumption against oil and gas.
The Scottish Conservative leader visited energy firm Hunting, based at Portlethen in Aberdeenshire, just days after the company announced it was moving manufacturing work to Dubai.
In August, Hunting also signalled its intention to close its Fordoun facility, which employs 45 staff, with operations moving to Portlethen.
The energy services provider said the “current political landscape in the North Sea” has resulted in reduced investment and orders.
Russell reiterated his full support for the oil and gas industry on a tour of the facility with Hunting’s managing director, Ian Park, and vice-president of Hunting’s Subsea Technology division, Neil Rogerson, as well as Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden MSP.
It comes as the SNP still haven’t published their final energy strategy, almost three years after the draft paper was released in January 2023. It proposed a ban on new exploration to “support the fastest possible and most effective just transition”.
Russell has called for the urgent release of the finalised document, which he says must provide certainty to allow jobs to be safeguarded and Scotland’s energy security to be protected.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Scotland’s world-leading oil and gas sector is in the grip of deep and growing uncertainty caused by the irrational hostility of Labour and the SNP.
“Their behaviour amounts to national self-harm that will do nothing for the environment while pushing up bills and jeopardising our energy security.
“Indigenous and international companies in the North East say they are operating in a hostile political environment.
“It should therefore surprise no-one when they decide they have no option but to take their jobs and investment elsewhere.
“If Labour and the SNP continue to wage war on oil and gas then it’s inevitable that more companies will cut jobs or head for the exit, never to return.
“For the sake of Scotland’s skilled oil and gas workers, John Swinney should publish the SNP’s energy strategy without any further delay.”
Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary and North East MSP Douglas Lumsden added: “Our visit to Hunting highlighted the need for the SNP and Labour to support these businesses, instead of creating an ideological war on the North Sea.
“Their abandonment of the oil and gas industry is economic sacrilege and will decimate our local economy while putting our energy security at risk.
“It’s almost three years since the SNP published their draft energy strategy, which has damaged the confidence of the industry.
“As we return to parliament, John Swinney must finally publish a paper that backs this vital sector which thousands of livelihoods depend on.”
