ELECT A NATIONAL CHAMPION TO FIGHT FOR A GREEN FUTURE

ELECT A NATIONAL CHAMPION TO FIGHT FOR A GREEN FUTURE

SUPPORTING RENEWABLES JOBS TO BE AT HEART OF SNP MANIFESTO

ALEX SALMOND HIGHLIGHTS SCOTLAND’S RENEWABLE POTENTIAL

SNP Leader and Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond MSP today (Friday)
joined the SNP’s candidate for Linlithgow and Falkirk East, Tam Smith, on
a visit to the Verdo Renewables plant in Grangemouth.

The plant which produces wood pellets and briquettes opened earlier this
year, creating 20 jobs onsite with a further 30 jobs in the harvesting,
transport and distribution process.

Commenting, Mr Salmond said:

“Scotland can lead the world in renewable energy – not just wind and wave
but innovative biofuel projects such as Verdo. But Scotland’s renewables
sector needs champions if we are to make the most of this potential.

“At the heart of our manifesto to be published next week will be a series
of actions designed to support jobs and the renewables industry in
Scotland. SNP MPs will work hard to turn green energy opportunity into
green energy jobs for communities across Scotland.

“SNP MPs will challenge the UK Government to release the £200m fossil fuel
levy so it can be invested in developing the renewable industry instead
of languishing in a London bank account.

“It is a scandal that this money isn't available to invest now to create
employment and give our economy a much needed boost.

"In Scotland the green shoots of recovery really must be green. The
London parties are proposing to choke off investment in recovery when
Scotland’s economy needs stimulus and support to grow.

“At this election, the SNP are offering an alternative – investment in
jobs instead of the London parties shared agenda of savage cuts that will
impact hard on our nation and our communities.”

SNP Linlithgow and Falkirk East candidate, Tam Smith added:

“The expansion of Verdo was a great boost for the local economy. Across
Scotland renewable firms are creating high value, sustainable jobs.

“While the London parties fight a phoney war and push their cuts agendas,
the SNP are offering a real alternative.

“That’s why we’re backing green jobs and putting the renewable sector at
the heart of our manifesto.

“I am determined to be an effective local champion for businesses like
this and be part of a team of SNP MPs standing up for Scotland’s
renewables sector and economic recovery.”