LESSONS must be learned now to avoid a repeat of “past mistakes” made in Scotland’s previous deindustrialisation as the country transitions from North Sea oil and gas, a new report warned today.

MPs on the Scottish affairs committee made the conclusion in its Industrial Transition in Scotland inquiry, aimed at making a high-level assessment of the long-term impact of deindustrialisation in Scotland.

Pointing to the rapid decline in heavy industry experienced across Scotland from the 1970s, the report noted: “Scotland’s experience of deindustrialisation over the past four decades demonstrates the profound and lasting consequences of industrial transition when communities are not properly supported.

“The loss of major industries has left a legacy of worklessness and health inequalities. 

“Despite Scotland’s proud industrial heritage, the erosion of key industrial skills has meant that employers may look overseas to fill shortages, leaving former industrial communities at risk of being left behind once again.”

Pointing to the declining North Sea industry, which the inquiry estimates still supports 66,000 jobs, the report called for action support to retain skills and ensure “no community pays the price of industrial change.”

Committee chairwoman Patricia Ferguson commented: “We heard about the lasting impact of past mistakes during deindustrialisation — as Scotland faces further industrial transitions, it’s vital these mistakes are not repeated.

“Future transitions must ensure long-term, practical support for communities so they can benefit from new industries and opportunities as they emerge.”

STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham, who had given evidence to the the inquiry, said: “Within Scotland’s industrial past, there are a long list of inglorious failed transitions that have let both workers and their communities down.

“That simply cannot happen again. If we are to take workers with us and to retain skills and labour within our workforce, we must both reindustrialise Scotland and renationalise parts of our industry.

“That means viable government stakes within industry that rewards the communities of our country, not shareholders stationed abroad.

“The opportunity is there for both the UK and Scottish government to work together. 

“Scotland is proud of our industrial heritage, but it cannot be a relic of the past — it must be the bedrock of our foundational economy and one that rewards workers and communities over private interests and corporate profit.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.