Energy plants set to power a jobs boom

HUNDREDS of jobs are to be created through the introduction of biomass energy plants across Scotland, including an operation in Leith.

Forth Ports announced it will create the plants at four of its six Scottish ports.

The plants will be developed by Forth Energy – a venture company between Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Forth Ports – at Leith, Dundee, Rosyth and Grangemouth.

Chief executive Charles Hammond said: "Scotland has the potential to be a real powerhouse in renewables. These modern plants will provide clean, renewable energy and will make a major contribution to meeting Scotland's energy needs in the decades ahead.

"Although at an early stage of our planning, we've been working closely with our partners at SSE to carry out studies of our ports and have entered discussions with the local authorities in each area to outline our initial plans."

A planning application for the plants is expected to be submitted to the Scottish Government next year.