According to Charles Hammond, the boss of the port of Leith, the announced real estate market development will be abandoned for the moment with the kick-off of a £125 million worth project on wind plant installation, the Scotsman informs.
The Spanish firm Gamesa will be in charge of project implementation which is said to bring 800 new jobs in the area, with a potential to develop on the surrounding ports as well.
“The supply chain will be attracted to the area. A development like Gamesa creates a cluster,” he said.
He added that there are three locations eligible for the construction site, including Dundee and a site in Methil.
Before launching the actual construction works, scheduled for the middle of next year, it is necessary for a successful planning application to be cleared.
A switch to industry and renewable energy will transform the port and the surrounding region paving the way for Scotland to pursue its goal of generating solely renewable energy by 2020.
“I am an advocate of the renewables industry because it is the clearest strategy for helping the economy of Scotland“, Hammond pointed out.
[mappress]
Offshore WIND staff, April 17, 2012; Image: forthports