Ring-fenced “Local Skills & Energy Transition Fund” within Community Benefit Packages

Communithy benefit funding should include a ring fenced allocation specifically for local skills development and long term employability linked to energy transition. In rural areas like Moray workforce capacity is one of the biggest challenges facing communities.

Why the contribution is important

Ring fenced funds would ensure that grants are not for short term gain but are proactive for lasting benefit

by smithm31 on February 24, 2026 at 11:30AM

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  • Posted by BMScotland March 26, 2026 at 16:07

    We would support use of funding for skills development but widening this to allow regional or national benefits. Community benefit funding could be a much-needed source of funding to address skills and training issues in sectors where skills are declining as current workforces near retirement and new entrants to the sector are not following on to replace these essential skills.
    As an example, marine and maritime skills are vital for Scotland, both for manning vessels and in the land-based support roles essential to keep our fleets moving, both now and into the future, with new skills to facilitate new technologies.
    The leisure and small commercial marine sector forms the vital infrastructure supporting Scotland’s Blue Economy; Aquaculture, workboats, marine tourism and offshore renewables all rely on the technical skills within the shore-based workforce and enhanced training and recruitment is now needed to build on these skills, to continue to support these vital elements within the Scottish economy.
    As expected, much of the marine sector is focussed around Scotland’s coasts, often in more remote areas, where there is a vital need for quality employment opportunities to support economic activity and maintain remote and rural populations.
    However, these remote locations have meant delivery of training for the sector has been difficult as current funding models often involve minimum class size economics and this often acts as a barrier for training in more remote areas. A new model is required to address this and community benefit funding from renewable energy developments could be hugely beneficial in supporting marine sector skills development and the ripple effects across coastal economies and communities.

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