By Mukarram Hamid
Colin Beattie MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament to mark International Electricians’ Day 2026 and recognise the contribution electricians make to Scottish communities and the wider economy.
The motion was tabled ahead of Wednesday, 10 June, when the event will celebrate 2.7 million electrotechnical professionals across Europe.
It highlights the role electricians play in Scotland’s transition to net zero, as well as the need to address skills shortages in the sector.
SELECT, the trade association for the electrical industry, is also named in the motion for its work supporting the profession, promoting development and maintaining standards across the sector.
Sharon Miller, managing director at SELECT, said: “We are very grateful that Mr Beattie has highlighted this important day.
“It is very timely that the Scottish Parliament is helping to celebrate the men and women who not only keep the lights burning and wheels turning across the country, but are integral to the administration’s ongoing commitment to building a greener, fairer society.
“However, as the motion states, we must also be aware of the challenges the sector faces, including skills shortages and the need to attract and retain new apprentices and adult trainees, an issue on which SELECT has consistently campaigned.”
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Colin Beattie MSP (left) with former President of SELECT Kevin Griffin (right)
The motion has been backed by 10 other MSPs since it was first tabled on May, 29 2026.
It calls on the Scottish Parliament to recognise electricians as essential to Scotland’s transition to net zero, including through renewable energy, electrification of heat and transport, and the modernisation of buildings and infrastructure.
Colin Beattie MSP has previously supported SELECT’s campaign for regulation, which seeks to make it an offence to call oneself an electrician without adequate qualifications.
He is among several politicians to have signed the association’s Wall of Support, including new MSPs David Barratt and Lloyd Melville.