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Politics: North-east area needs long-term strategy





Scotland’s north-east has always been an economic powerhouse, driving key industries like energy, fishing, farming and tourism, writes Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam.

But despite its enormous contributions to Scotland’s economy, we need to make sure we’re planning strategically to maximise every opportunity.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast is at the heart of Scotland’s renewable energy revolution.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast is at the heart of Scotland’s renewable energy revolution.

That’s why I believe we need a clear, long-term strategy, a coordinated plan that ensures every opportunity in our region is aligned, supporting sustainable, long-term growth.

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For Banffshire and Buchan Coast, this is especially relevant. We’re at the heart of Scotland’s renewable energy revolution, with major developments like Ocean Winds at Buckie Harbour, and projects like the Fraserburgh Harbour Masterplan, and the Acorn Project at St Fergus for carbon capture.

A strategic plan for the north-east would help align these developments, ensuring they work together in a way that maximises long-term benefits for local communities.

Take Buckie Harbour, for example. Once seen primarily as a fishing hub, it is now a key base for offshore wind operations, bringing new jobs and investment to the town.

The transformation is remarkable, and it proves that when the right investment is made in the right places, our communities can thrive.

But why stop there? We have the potential to bring even more industries here, from manufacturing wind turbine parts to training the next generation of engineers.

But a cohesive strategy could ensure everything is done in synergy.

We must be sensitive to our long-time industries, making sure that new opportunities do not come at the expense of those who have sustained our communities for generations.

That’s why I created the Cross-Party Group on Fisheries and Coastal Communities, to make sure industry voices are heard.

We need smart marine planning that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability and food security, giving our fishing communities confidence in their future.

A joined-up regional strategy would help us achieve that, ensuring policies are made with the reality of our industries in mind.

Banffshire’s economy isn’t just about renewables. Fishing and farming are the backbone of our communities, providing jobs, food security and preserving our heritage.

But Brexit has hit these industries hard, adding trade barriers, labour shortages, and uncertainty.

A strategic plan for the north-east could commit to putting fishing and farming at the forefront, ensuring policies work for our coastal and rural communities, not against them.

One of the biggest challenges we face is connectivity. Whether it’s transport links, broadband access or infrastructure to support our industries, getting the right investments in the right places is crucial.

The Scottish Government has already invested heavily in major transport and infrastructure projects in the north-east and committed £500 million to a Just Transition fund, but a coordinated approach could ensure that every improvement supports the wider regional economy.

It’s about making sure funding and projects align with long-term needs, rather than being seen in isolation.

Banffshire’s coastline is one of the most stunning in Scotland, yet we still underutilise tourism as an economic driver.

With the right infrastructure, marketing and investment, places like Cullen, Portsoy and Banff could attract even more visitors, boosting local businesses and hospitality.

But this must be done carefully, ensuring it does not come at the detriment of local people and housing needs.

Sustainable tourism should enhance our communities, not price them out of their own towns.

Ensuring local people have access to training and jobs in the industries of the future, developing infrastructure that connects our communities and businesses, and securing the investment needed to sustain traditional sectors like fishing and farming is key.

A strategic plan for the north-east would help tie all of this together, ensuring that we don’t just react to opportunities but actively shape them.

With the right planning, Banffshire and the wider north-east can be at the forefront of Scotland’s economic future, not just as a contributor, but as a leader, delivering sustainable, long-term prosperity for the generations to come.


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