A new taskforce has met for the first time to explore ways to spread the benefits of Scotland’s buoyant oil and gas industry beyond its traditional heartland.
It follows a North Oil and Gas Steering Group meeting in Inverness in July, when key industry players such as Global Energy Group, Amec and BP, as well as public bodies, got together to find ways of promoting and developing the Highlands and islands as an oil and gas hub.
New offshore developments, particularly west of Shetland, and continuing investment mean there are ample opportunities for businesses across the north to help support Aberdeen in its role as the energy capital of Europe.
Yesterday’s Energy North Oil and Gas Taskforce meeting in Aberdeen was chaired by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing, who said it was an important step in public and private sector efforts to spread the benefits of oil and gas business.
He added: “Many taskforces have been established because of a serious problem facing Scotland’s economy, however, this one is all about looking at future opportunities.
“One of the main objectives of the taskforce is to establish the north of Scotland as a new oil and gas hub.
“This is a focal point of the Highlands and islands’ ambition to be an energy hub and relieve some of the existing pressures currently faced by Aberdeen.”
Mr Ewing said Aberdeen’s strengths were well-known but other parts of Scotland could and should – for competitive advantage reasons – play their part in the Granite City’s future success.
The taskforce comprises industry leaders and representatives from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.
Its key aims are to promote the Highlands and islands as a centre for oil and gas, develop infrastructure at ports, harbours and airports, grow the north’s skilled workforce and expand the industry supply chain.
Trade body Energy North played a key role in setting up the new group and Ian Couper, its chief executive, said he was delighted to see it up and running.
Mr Couper added: “With so much money being invested in upgrading infrastructure and developing supply chain services, businesses in the Highlands and islands are perfectly positioned to support oil and gas development in the north-east.
Calum Davidson, director for energy and low carbon at HIE, said: “Alongside major investments in offshore wind and wave and tidal projects in the waters around the Highlands and islands, we are seeing oil and gas investments in the North Sea and west of Shetland rising to a level not seen since the 1980s.
“The north of Scotland has a well-established skilled and experienced supply chain already supporting subsea activity around the globe.
“We welcome this increased focus on the region’s expertise in the oil and gas sector, supporting Aberdeen’s key role as one of the world’s great oil and gas cities.”
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