John Swinney has renewed his call for the UK Government to support a proposed Scottish wind-turbine factory by the Chinese company Ming Yang, despite ministers having blocked it on national-security grounds. The dispute highlights the tension between attracting renewable-energy investment and jobs in Scotland and protecting critical infrastructure from potential foreign-state influence.

The proposed £1.5 billion development at Ardersier Port in the Highlands was expected to create up to 1,500 jobs. The UK Government said it could not support Ming Yang equipment in offshore wind projects because of security concerns, while Swinney has argued that the decision undermines Scotland’s renewables industry; political opponents have described his stance as irresponsible.