MSPs from across the political parties have today added their joint support for Edinburgh’s bid to host the UK’s first Green Investment Bank.

In an open letter to Mike Crockart MP for Edinburgh West and Mark Lazarowicz MP for Edinburgh North and Leith who will present the business case to Michael Moore, Secretary of State for Scotland, along with Ron Hewitt from Edinburgh’s Chamber of Commerce on 30th March, the group of MSPs have backed the city’s bid to be home of the Green Investment Bank and its £1 billion plus investment.

The group of MSPs who all represent Edinburgh or the Lothian region highlighted Edinburgh’s unique position as a city with financial pedigree as well as businesses and academic institutions leading the way in green technology and the renewables sector.

Margaret Smith, MSP for Edinburgh West said:

“I think Edinburgh as Scotland’s capital and one of the country’s major financial sectors with its wealth of experience is well placed to embrace the opportunities that the Green Investment Bank would bring. It is also a city which is looking more and more to the future in terms of green investment. All of these factors backed by cross-party political and business support mean that Edinburgh is the ideal home for the UK’s first Green Investment Bank.”

Margo MacDonald MSP who represents the Lothian region added:

“The location of the bank is crucial. Edinburgh being home to the venture would not only provide a welcome boost to the region but would also give the bank the best chance of success. The work done to build consensus around Edinburgh’s bid means that there is widespread support from business, academia and the political world. This joined up approach is what is needed for the project to be successful.”

The Green Investment Bank would also bring a unique opportunity to the city.

David McLetchie MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands welcomed the prospect saying:

“The Green Investment Bank would provide a real boost to the city’s economy. Whilst job creation in the bank itself may be limited to a rather small number, investment by other companies attracted by the bank would result in much needed jobs across the region. This is an exciting opportunity for Edinburgh and for Scotland.”

With Malcolm Chisholm MSP for Edinburgh North and Leith adding:

“I think Edinburgh is the natural home for the Green Investment Bank. We look set to see the creation of a 'renewable energy cluster' at Leith Docks, currently the base for the Pelamis wave energy project. This is just one of the many green energy schemes across Scotland which shows that we are world leaders in the field of renewable energy technology.”

The group added their thanks to Mike Crockart and Mark Lazarowicz for their leadership of the bid as well as recognising the ongoing work of Ron Hewitt and the business community across the region. Robin Harper MSP for Lothians summed it up nicely:

“I have absolutely no doubt that the business case that will be submitted by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Mike and Mark will be first class. Scotland is leading the way in the green energy sector and a successful bid would not only highlight this but give it a further boost.”

Ian McKee MSP added:

“Confidence in renewables is growing and this bid celebrates Scotland’s place in driving the green agenda forward.”