Auditors to examine ScotWind offshore leasing amid claims money 'squandered'

Auditors will examine the ScotWind offshore energy auction, which raised more than £700m by leasing parts of the seabed for wind projects.

Opponents have accused the Scottish Government of “squandering” the proceeds from the June 2022 ScotWind leases, with UK ministers saying more money could have been raised and invested.

Some of the money is being used to support day-to-day revenue funding in the Scottish Government’s budget, while the government intends to use much of the funds for long-term capital projects.

The Scotsman reported that Audit Scotland, the body which audits much of the public sector north of the border, is carrying out early scoping work for an audit into ScotWind which will report later this year.

Douglas Lumsden, Scottish Conservative energy spokesman, said: “An investigation by Audit Scotland into the SNP’s botched handling of ScotWind should alarm taxpayers across Scotland.

“This was meant to be a national windfall, yet ministers have squandered it and funnelled the proceeds into propping up their day-to-day spending.

“Once again, the SNP have treated Scotland’s energy riches like a party slush fund.

“Scotland deserves better than secrecy, short-termism and financial incompetence at the heart of government.”

A spokesperson for Audit Scotland told the newspaper: “We have started early scoping work on ScotWind and plan to report in Autumn 2026.

“Our work will include engaging with Crown Estate Scotland and the Scottish Government. This audit will be in addition to a performance audit on renewable energy.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “ScotWind revenues give us the flexibility to invest in long-term benefits for Scotland and to help strengthen the limited financial levers we currently have under the Fiscal Framework from the UK Government.

“We look forward to engaging with Audit Scotland once the full scope of their report is confirmed.”

In October 2024, UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the devolved administration had “squandered” the proceeds of the ScotWind lease.

He said: “It’s a significant amount of money that can’t be found again to plug day-to-day spending. It’s a missed opportunity.”