Scottish companies look set to benefit from new steps to increase the number of offshore wind contracts staying in Scotland.

Developers will have to agree on supply-chain commitments when applying for offshore wind leases, under an agreement between the Scottish government and Crown Estate Scotland.

The news was announced as representatives from the UK government, trades unions, and industry attended an offshore wind summit in Edinburgh to discuss solutions to issues facing the offshore wind supply chain.

Scottish economy secretary Derek Mackay said: “Scotland is the ideal location for offshore wind, but recent projects have not delivered the significant economic opportunities we want to see for Scottish businesses.

“The Scottish government has been calling for the offshore sector to do more by awarding contracts to our indigenous supply chain but recent disappointments suggest that more has to be done.

“I will use every lever at our disposal to ensure that our renewables supply chain benefits from the expansion of offshore wind in our waters, leading to the creation and retention of Scottish jobs.

“The measures agreed with Crown Estate Scotland will help to release more of those economic benefits for the Scottish economy and ensure that the Scottish-based supply chain is considered when tendering for work or making long-term conditions.”

Colin Palmer, director of marine for Crown Estate Scotland, said: “Scotland has unique potential when it comes to offshore wind and we’re committed to doing all we can to unlock that opportunity. ScotWind Leasing will present Scotland as an attractive destination for the significant investment needed to deliver the scale of offshore wind projects we want to see.”