The Scottish government is to announce a blueprint to create thousands of new "green" jobs as part of its economic recovery plan.
Finance secretary John Swinney will tomorrow outline specific proposals on how it plans to encourage the creation of "new, low-carbon industries in energy production, energy efficiency and sustainable transport".
A recent report, commissioned by the government into the benefits of different forms of renewable energy developments in the Western Isles, identified onshore wind energy as being the greatest economic and community benefit. When coupled with wave and tidal energy production plants the government is convinced investment in renewable energy will create a wealth of jobs in new technologies.
Negotiations under way with Danish company Welcon over a £50m proposal to turn the Kintyre peninsula around Campbeltown into a world leader in offshore wind turbine manufacturing and create hundreds of jobs within two years.
Last week it was announced that the government would allow the energy company Npower to build one of the largest wave-driven power stations off the Isle of Lewis, creating at least 70 jobs.
