A formal motion has been lodged in the Scottish Parliament to mark International Electricians’ Day 2026 and recognise the profession’s contribution to communities and the wider economy.
SNP MSP Colin Beattie has tabled the declaration ahead of the event on June 10, which will celebrate the 2.7 million electrotechnical professionals working across Europe.
Mr Beattie has used the motion to say that electricians are ‘essential’ to delivering Scotland’s transition to net zero, commend trade body SELECT for its ongoing support – and highlight the need to tackle industry skills shortages.
In his motion on the Scottish Parliament website, Mr Beattie notes that the parliament ‘acknowledges the vital role that electricians play across Scotland in designing, installing and maintaining electrical systems that keep homes powered, public services operational, hospitals functioning and businesses productive and commends electricians and electrical contractors working across Scotland for their contribution to communities and the economy’.
The motion – which has been backed by ten other MSPs – also notes that the parliament ‘recognises that electricians are essential to delivering Scotland’s transition to net zero, including through the rollout of renewable energy, electrification of heat and transport and the modernisation of buildings and infrastructure’.
Sharon Miller, the new MD at SELECT, said, “We are very grateful that Mr Beattie has highlighted this important day, which is being promoted by our friends at EuropeOn, the European voice of the electrical contracting industry, with the message ‘Skilled Hands, Resilient Europe’.
“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.”
Mr Beattie has been a long-term supporter of SELECT’s campaign for regulation, which wants to make it an offence for someone to call themselves an electrician when they have no, or inadequate, qualifications.
