A MAJORITY of Scots oppose new oil and gas and back a fair transition, according to a new study.

Diffley Partnership research for climate campaigners Uplift found that 57 per cent believed the Scottish government should oppose new North Sea drilling in favour of renewables, a majority rising to almost two thirds among under-35s.

Just over a third of respondents believed the Scottish government was a decade too late on a fair transition plan, while over two thirds want to see it delivered by the next administration.

Warning that the “north-east, in particular, cannot wait another decade,” Professor Keith Bender of the University of Aberdeen’s Just Transition Lab said: “The Scottish government has powers to effect change, whether that’s developing clear plans, making strategic investments in supply chains, or ensuring a clear path for oil and gas workers into quality renewables jobs.”

Uplift executive director Tessa Khan said: “Scotland’s voters are clear — they want an end to drilling and instead a complete focus on creating clean energy jobs in Scotland to protect future generations.

“They want a step change from the government, not more tinkering.”