Newly elected SNP representatives David Barratt (Cowdenbeath) and Lloyd Melville (Angus South) have both pledged their backing for protection of title for electricians, giving an early boost to the association’s crusade.

Their support adds to the strong momentum built in the previous parliamentary session, when backing from MSPs across all parties, including former First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, helped take the Wall of Support to more than 50 politicians.

Sharon Miller, managing director designate of SELECT, said: “Securing the backing of two newly elected MSPs so soon after the election is an encouraging start to the fresh parliamentary term and underlines a continuing appetite at Holyrood to address the issue.

“We would like to thank David and Lloyd for their commitment, which shows that awareness of the need for regulation is already strong among the incoming intake and that the message about public safety is cutting through from day one.

“Electrical systems are becoming ever more complex as Scotland moves towards a net zero future, and it is vital that the work is carried out only by properly trained and qualified professionals. Regulation of the profession of electrician remains the most effective way to ensure this.”

SELECT has campaigned for more than a decade to make it a statutory offence for someone to describe themselves as an electrician without holding the appropriate qualifications, a measure it says is essential to protect both consumers and the reputation of the industry.

The association’s Wall of Support, run in partnership with industry bodies including the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Unite the Union, continues to gather backing from across the political spectrum as well as from organisations throughout the construction sector.

Ms Miller added: “While we were disappointed that regulation did not feature more prominently in any pre-election party manifestos, we were clear that our campaign would continue right away once the election was over.

“These early sign-ups demonstrate that MSPs recognise the risks posed by unqualified electrical work and the growing importance of the sector to Scotland’s economy and infrastructure.

“We look forward to engaging with more politicians across all parties in the weeks and months ahead to ensure that protection of title remains firmly on the political agenda and ultimately becomes a reality.

“SELECT will continue to meet with MSPs from across the Chamber as it seeks to build further support during the opening stages of the new Parliament.”