Green revolution to fuel Scottish financial services jobs boom

Scotland's move towards a low carbon economy is likely to create a jobs boom north of the border over the next ten years, and financial services is invited to the party.

A wide-ranging report compiled by the Scottish government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise suggests there's the potential to create around 60,000 new jobs as part of the country's green revolution.

Obviously, the majority of these would be around the development of green technology and within the renewables sector, but financial services is considered key to developing low carbon market opportunities.

Scotland's financial services industry should be looking to develop insurance products to mitigate climate change risks, create green or ethical products and invest in clean technology and renewable energy products, suggests the report.

This will inevitably create more jobs north of the border.

"All the estimates show that the jobs potential, demand for new skills, and supply chain benefits could be vast," suggests finance secretary John Swinney.

Just how green investment could manifest itself in terms of job opportunities is currently in evidence in Ireland.

Politicians in the Emerald Isle are suggesting that up to 20,000 jobs could be created over the next ten years within its 'green' International Financial Services Centre.

These would include roles around ethical fund management, fund administration, energy project finance and carbon trading. It would also involve increased demand for support functions such as accountants, compliance professionals and regulatory experts.