Statoil’s plans to create up to 1,000 jobs were welcomed across the political spectrum last night.
Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “We welcome this agreement and the UK Government’s commitment to closer collaboration with neighbouring countries on North Sea oil and gas extraction and supply, and renewable-energy investment and electricity interconnection.
“Scotland is already a major player in each of these areas, with a significant pipeline of oil and gas, renewable energy and connection projects and investment.”
Scottish Conservative energy spokeswoman Mary Scanlon, a Highlands and Islands MSP, said: “This is excellent news for Shetland and a great example of how countries working together can bring investment to Scotland.”
At Westminster, Labour’s shadow energy minister, Tom Greatrex, said the strong partnership between the UK and Norway would be a big boost for Scotland.
He added: “The announcement of investment in Scotland and England highlights yet again the mutual benefits to Scotland and the rest of the UK of shared energy resources, risks and rewards. There is no sense in changing that.
“What we need now from the UK Government is to see real progress in developing carbon capture and storage on a commercial scale.
“There is exciting potential for jobs and skills development with this low-carbon technology, but it needs an end to the dither and delay from the government.”
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