Green Jobs Contributing £10.2bn to Scotland's Economy - Report

Net-zero-related industries are supporting more than 105,000 jobs in Scotland and contributing £10.2bn to the economy, according to industry research.

The jobs include roles building and maintaining infrastructure such as wind farms and hydropower schemes, as well as domestic installations of solar panels and heat pumps.

The research by the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) concludes that the green sector represents 4.9% of Scotland's total economic output - more than double that of agriculture.

It identifies Perth and Kinross as a particular hotspot where 12% of the local economy is net-zero related.

Net-zero industries are those involved in the drive to ensure Scotland is no longer contributing to the total amount of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

The UK has a legally-binding commitment to reach that point by 2050 while in Scotland, which has more available land for planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide, the target date is 2045.

The employment figures provide context to the often quoted claim that 1,000 jobs a month are being lost in oil and gas.

- Author: Kevin Keane, BBC