EAST Lothian councillors have been urged to “stop sitting on their hands” when it comes to investment in fossil fuels and high-polluting companies.

Friends of the Earth has uncovered data that shows that Lothian Pension Fund’s investments in fossil fuels stood at £229 million – an increase of almost 40 per cent from last year.

The Lothian Pension Fund represents a number of different employers, including the four Lothian local authorities.

Councillor Steve Burgess, Scottish Greens spokesperson for the climate emergency in Edinburgh, said: “East Lothian Greens may not have a seat at the table, but councillors across the county need to stop sitting on their hands and put pressure on their counterparts to vote with the Greens to end our investments in fossil fuels and high-polluting companies.”

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said that pension investments on behalf of council staff were managed by Lothian Pension Fund.

She said: “East Lothian Council launched a climate change strategy in 2020 and we have continued to reduce our carbon footprint and deliver actions with the aim of becoming a net-zero and sustainable council.

“Actions included in our recent strategy update are work to develop an East Lothian Climate Forest, improve the energy efficiency of our own housing stock and those identified as being in fuel poverty, progress the installation of solar PV on our housing stock and civic buildings, and explore opportunities for renewable energy generation.”

Shona McIntosh, acting co-convenor of East Lothian Greens, highlighted the upcoming council elections, which are due to take place next year.

She said: “It’s time for sitting East Lothian councillors to put pressure on their political colleagues to support these motions.

“I would also urge people passionate about this issue to vote 1 for Green candidates in the local elections next year so we can send a strong message to the pension fund from across the Lothians that time is up for fossil-fuel investments.”