Already Scotland is recognised world-wide for our expertise and ambition in renewable energy. The Scottish Government is determined to turn these advantages – our comparative and competitive edge – into jobs and prosperity for our nation.

During my recent visit to China, the country's top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission, confirmed China's determination to co-operate with Scotland on marine wind-powered electricity and industries with low carbon emissions. The door to the world's largest market of the future is open.

We think of China as a huge country compared to Scotland – with 1.3 billion people compared to our five million. However, Scotland's coastline is almost 12,000km, compared to 18,000km for China. That's why we are big players – and potential world beaters, for marine energy, set to deliver 16,000 green energy jobs across Scotland in the next decade.

Earlier this year, when I met the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington DC, we spoke about the Saltire Prize – and she agreed that this was a great example of a small country making a big difference to a global challenge. Within days of that meeting, one enterprising Scottish energy company, Proven Energy from Ayrshire, was using it to promote their wind turbines – turbines that are already in the top three in the United States.

The two most powerful and influential nations in the world are both fully aware of our contribution – and of Scotland's place at the forefront of international efforts to meet the green energy challenge.

I am delighted to be able to confirm that the Saltire Prize – the largest single innovation prize for marine renewables – formally launched only four months ago, now has 100 entries from 23 countries worldwide.

The Saltire Prize will be transformational, bringing forward by a decade or more the harnessing of electricity from our seas.

I recently had the pleasure of announcing that it has received over 100 registrations of interest from scientists and business across 23 countries, and is being followed closely by the National Geographic Society.

Scotland is geographically unique in having extraordinary wind and tidal potential – enough in fact to generate 25% of Europe's total energy from these sources, and of course with its location at the North-west extremity of Europe.

Scotland and the North-east has historically had an outstanding reputation as a world leader in innovation.

With the kind of interest which the Saltire Prize is generating, and the growing consensus globally that we can no longer sit and take no action on climate change, it is clear that Scotland is driving the renewables agenda just now.

I am certain, however, that the Saltire Prize will not only be seen as a forerunner but will mean industry leaders continue to look to Scotland for an example of how to make change for the better long into the future.

Scotland has got what it takes to lead the world in this potentially planet-saving technology.

Voluntary organisations' vital contribution

I KNOW that many people in Banff and Buchan are already aware of the crucial role voluntary organisations and the third sector play in our society.

Covering a wide variety of projects and types of assistance for people and communities, the third sector is crucial and provides that personal touch which often goes unnoticed.

In the midst of a recession, many voluntary organisations face tough challenges to their operations. With this in mind, voluntary adult learning organisations are to receive more than £685,000 from the Scottish Government to help maintain their Scottish headquarters and support training for staff.

The biggest grant of £282,574 will go to the Workers Educational Association, the largest voluntary sector provider of community and workplace-based adult education in Scotland, delivering around 1,000 courses in more than 300 locations. A further £6,184 is being allocated to four organisations for staff training, including £2,204 to the Workers Education Association, £700 to Dyslexia Scotland, £1,530 to LEAD Scotland and £1,750 to Learning Link Scotland.

These grants should go some way to make sure those adults with learning difficulties in Banff and Buchan can continue to access the support they need, helping them achieve their fullest potential in every aspect of their life.

I am delighted the SNP Government have acted decisively to allocate resources to these vital organisations.

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