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Aberdeen South, a constituency closely tied to the offshore energy sector, is also home to communities concerned with local, land-based issues. The area stretches from parts of the city’s commuter belt, including Peterculter, Milltimber, and Bieldside, to the harbour-adjacent neighborhoods such as Torry. In recent times, residents in some parts of Torry have faced challenges relating to the discovery that their homes contain potentially hazardous building materials, leading to relocations and uncertainty about the future of this close-knit community.
The Port of Aberdeen has seen significant investment recently, with £420 million poured into the South Harbour development. This expansion has enabled the port to accommodate large cruise ships, enhancing its profile as a maritime hub. However, the local economy has felt the effects of a downturn in oil and gas activity. Despite these challenges, port officials remain optimistic about further growth and emphasize the need for any new Member of Parliament for Aberdeen South to support the sector’s development.
Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of the Port of Aberdeen, has called for a comprehensive and integrated energy policy. “We could increase the number of jobs in the region by 9,000, but we need that all-inclusive energy strategy to work right the way across from oil and gas all the way to renewables,” he explained. He noted that the significant decline in oil and gas activity—between 15% and 20% last year—has resulted in substantial job losses, while large-scale offshore wind projects remain some years away from becoming a stable source of employment in the area. As the North Sea oil and gas industry has been in gradual decline since its peak in 1999, the shift towards renewables has generally benefited other parts of Scotland rather than the north east.
Within the community, opinions vary on how to approach Aberdeen South’s economic future. Residents like Ishbel Shand advocate for a genuine and just transition to new industries, stressing the importance of diversifying the economy rather than clinging to what she calls a “sunset industry.” She emphasizes investment in skills training and apprenticeships to equip young people for modern trades. Echoing this, local resident Ian Baird argues that politicians should focus broadly on community needs, as the area has complex issues beyond offshore employment. Meanwhile, business owners such as Norman Esslemont prioritize renewed investment in the North Sea and the reduction of windfall taxes to encourage economic growth. With seven candidates contesting the by-election, scheduled for 18 June, voters will play a critical role in determining who can best address the diverse challenges facing Aberdeen South
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