Lerwick could be turned into a major centre for the decommissioning of oil and gas platforms, according to a Highlands and Islands MSP.
The SNP’s Jean Urquhart wrote to the UK and Scottish governments yesterday appealing for financial assistance for the harbour at the Shetland town.
It is estimated that North Sea decommissioning could be worth £30billion, with companies in Shetland and other parts of Scotland already establishing themselves as experts in the field.
Lerwick was one of the first harbours to set itself up as a major decommissioning centre and the port authority is to build on its success.
Ms Urquhart said turning Shetland harbour into a decommissioning hub would bring in jobs and investment, not only to the islands but across Scotland.