In a significant show of support for environmental causes, a diverse group of Scottish celebrities has joined the campaign against the controversial Rosebank oil field development off the coast of Shetland. The star-studded lineup is backing a legal challenge to the project’s planning permission, set to be heard in the Scottish Court of Session from November 12.
Among the Scottish personalities lending their voices to the cause is Shirley Manson, the Edinburgh-born frontwoman of the indie band Garbage. Manson’s involvement highlights the growing concern among artists about climate change and fossil fuel expansion.
The campaign has also garnered support from controversial Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle, as well as Catriona Balfe, the Irish actress known for her role in the popular Scottish-set TV series Outlander. Balfe’s participation underscores the international appeal of the cause and its relevance to those connected to Scotland through their work.
The legal challenge against the Rosebank oil field’s planning permission is being spearheaded by Uplift, a climate organisation advocating for a “rapid and fair transition” away from oil and gas production in the UK.
The case will be heard as world leaders gather for COP29 in Azerbaijan, adding global significance to the proceedings.
On the eve of the hearing, a panel discussion titled ‘Big Oil in Court; Rosebank and the fight for the North Sea’ will be held in Edinburgh, featuring guests discussing the future of the project.
The Rosebank Controversy
The Rosebank oil field, approved by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) in 2023, is more than twice the size of the Cambo oil field and holds approximately 500 million barrels of oil.
Industry heavy weights like Sir Ian Wood hailed the government approval as a boost for the economy and Britain’s energy security and the scheme also met with approval of some Scottish MPs.
Opponents of the project claim that the field will emit “more CO2 than the world’s 28 lowest-income countries combined do in a year.”
Environmental organsations Uplift and Greenpeace initiated the legal challenge last year, arguing that the development conflicts with the UK’s legally binding carbon budgets and 2050 net-zero target.
Tax Increase Announcement
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement of a 3% point increase in North Sea oil and gas taxation has raised the Energy Profits Levy on North Sea oil and gas producers to 38%.
However, the impact on the Rosebank oil field development appears to be less significant than environmental groups had hoped for.
The project’s fate may ultimately depend more on the outcome of ongoing legal challenges and broader policy decisions regarding the UK’s energy future.
