Swinney calls for Burnham rethink on Chinese factory in Highlands
First Minister John Swinney has asked Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reconsider a Chinese company's proposal to build a £1.5 billion wind turbine factory in the Highlands after it was blocked on national security grounds. Swinney says he is taking a responsible approach and wants a thorough review, while acknowledging the security concerns raised by the UK government. The Chinese firm Ming Yang argues the decision is a missed opportunity that could have created up to 1,500 jobs and will continue to engage with officials.
- ▪The UK government rejected Ming Yang's plan for a wind turbine factory at Ardersier, citing unspecified national security concerns and the unsuitability of the turbines for UK offshore projects.
- ▪John Swinney wrote to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging a re‑examination of the proposal, stating he wants no stone left unturned before dismissing the project.
- ▪Energy Security Minister Michael Shanks briefed Swinney on the security issues and criticised his continued push as a political intervention against national security.
- ▪Ming Yang described the block as a significant missed opportunity for Scotland, claiming the plant could have supported around 1,500 jobs and will keep seeking constructive dialogue with the government.
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| Publication time | Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:26:47 GMT |
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Swinney calls for Burnham rethink on Chinese factory in HighlandsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, John Swinney previously accused the UK government of "an anti-Scottish move" Published19 minutes agoByAngus CochraneSenior political journalist, BBC ScotlandFirst Minister John Swinney has dismissed any suggestion he is prioritising political point scoring over national security after calling for Labour ministers to reconsider a Chinese firm's plan to build a wind turbine factory in the Highlands.Ming Yang's proposed £1.5bn plant at Ardersier, near Nairn, was blocked by the UK government, citing unspecified national security concerns. Swinney said he wanted Prime Minister Andy Burnham to re-examine the scheme to see if the concerns could be overcome.
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