Tens of thousands of people have arrived in Aberdeen for a major oil and gas conference, boosting many local businesses.
Offshore Europe 2017 is one of the industry’s biggest set-piece events and is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors.
It is being hosted once again by the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) – with locals braced for delays on the roads.
And the opening of the biennial gathering was marked by the release by the city council of fresh images of the under-construction replacement for the huge venue.
It is being built near the airport, which it is hoped will improve access and reduce disruption.
The influx of conference-goers has provided a boost to the hospitality industry.
Businesses such as No10 Bar and Restaurant reported a “definite increase” in bookings, with expectations for even more now the event is getting fully underway.
No10’s Andrew Stephen said: “Offshore Europe is great for local business. As it only takes place every couple of years, it always gives a healthy boost for independent businesses for a week or so.
“I like to think there’s more of a draw to local independent businesses rather than big chain restaurants. People don’t want a run-of-the-mill experience.
“There’s an aspect of tourism to the event – people are here on business but after the day is done, that’s when the tourism kicks in and they want to see the life of Aberdeen.”
Transport companies such as Aberdeen Taxis and Rainbow City Taxis expect an extreme rise in bookings this week to accomodate the number of people in the city, and advise that all travellers book in advance.
Traffic restrictions have been put in place until Saturday to improve the flow of vehicles around the venue, though delays are still to be expected.
The introduction of £22.3million Diamond Bridge, which provides another crossing over the River Don, is expected to mean less disruption than in previous years later.
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Jenny Laing welcomed the event to the city and advises travellers to plan ahead:
“Offshore Europe is a great boost for Aberdeen and we welcome businesses and delegates from all over the world to our city.
“We are looking forward to showcasing the innovative technologies that Aberdeen, as a global energy city, has to offer.
“We do have to put restrictions in place for roads near the AECC to help traffic flow and we would advise people to avoid the area if if possible and find an alternative route, and for those attending the conference, they should use public transport where possible.”
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