Aberdeenshire Council agrees to develop ambitious plan for a Just Transition
Councillors have agreed to develop Aberdeenshire’s Fairer Future, a dedicated plan for a Just Transition, aimed at helping communities, businesses and workers navigate the region’s transition to a changing energy and economic landscape.
The council’s Infrastructure Services Committee heard today (Thurs, Oct 1) that while significant activity is already taking place across Aberdeenshire to support economic diversification, employment, skills development and community resilience, there is a need for a clear, coordinated framework to ensure opportunities are fully realised.
The proposed plan will build on the principles and actions already contained within the local authority’s Community Wealth Building Strategy and will bring together existing work being undertaken by the council and partner organisations.
Key priorities will include identifying gaps, aligning priorities and creating a pipeline of projects capable of attracting future investment and delivering lasting benefits for local communities.
The Just Transition programme is about protecting livelihoods, supporting skills development, attracting investment and creating new opportunities
Aberdeenshire has long benefited from its close links to the energy sector, however, councillors were reminded that the local economy remains highly exposed to the volatility of global oil and gas markets, geopolitical uncertainty and the long-term decline of the North Sea basin. Developing a just transition plan will help ensure that communities remain resilient and prosperous as new technologies, industries and economic opportunities emerge.
The plan will take a distinctly Aberdeenshire approach, recognising the unique needs and opportunities of the area’s towns, villages, coastal communities and rural areas. By adopting a place-responsive model, interventions can be tailored to local circumstances, helping maximise the social and economic benefit of future investment.
The committee also heard that substantial opportunities exist through public and private sector investment, including the Scottish Government’s £500 million Just Transition Fund for the North East and Moray, established to support the region’s move towards a net-zero economy and create new jobs and opportunities.
An informal stakeholder meeting held earlier this year was attended by representatives from the Scottish Government Just Transition Unit, GB Energy, Robert Gordon University, the University of Aberdeen, Scottish Enterprise, the Federation of Small Businesses, NESCAN, the Regional Skills Partnership, union representatives and others. Partners welcomed the proposal and recognised the value of a shared framework to coordinate existing initiatives and strengthen future funding bids.
As one of the region’s largest employers, service providers and asset holders, Aberdeenshire Council will lead the development of the plan through a key stakeholder group, ensuring that local people and communities remain at the heart of the transition.
Infrastructure Services Committee chair, Cllr Alan Turner, said: “Aberdeenshire has a proud history of innovation, enterprise and powering the nation. As we look to the future, it is vital that we plan ahead and ensure our communities, businesses and workforce across the region are well placed to benefit from the opportunities that change can bring.
“A Just Transition is about making sure that no community is left behind as we move towards a lower-carbon economy. It is about protecting livelihoods, supporting skills development, attracting investment and creating new opportunities while preserving the unique qualities which make Aberdeenshire such a special place to live and work.
“There is already a tremendous amount of positive activity taking place across the region. This plan will help bring those efforts together, identify where more action is needed and create a clear pathway towards a fairer, greener and more resilient future for Aberdeenshire.
"By working collaboratively with our partners and communities, we can maximise the benefits of emerging industries and investment opportunities, ensuring Aberdeenshire remains a thriving and prosperous place for generations to come.”
The plan will help bring ongoing efforts together, identify where more action is needed and create a clear pathway towards a fairer, greener and more resilient future for Aberdeenshire