First energy conference is chaired by Paul McLennan MSP

The first East Lothian Energy Conference saw speakers from a range of organisations, including East Lothian Council, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Renewables, discuss opportunities and challenges for supply and manufacturing, skills shortages in the energy sector and long-term community benefits.

The meeting was chaired by East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan.

It is hoped that the group will meet every six weeks to discuss the progress of ongoing energy developments in the county.

Mr McLennan, a former council leader in the county, described it as “fantastic” to host the event, which took place in The Fraser Centre in Tranent.

He said: “Developing a skilled local workforce and maximising the opportunities for local manufacturers and communities will be key to East Lothian’s pivotal role in Scotland’s energy transition.

“Importantly, the conference was a welcome opportunity to connect industry with local people, so that questions, worries, hopes and needs could be shared, and action plans created.”