The names of every man who died in the Piper Alpha disaster will be read aloud at a special memorial service next week.
It is almost three decades since an explosion and resulting fire engulfed the oil platform, killing 167 workers, causing the world’s greatest loss of life in offshore history.
Families and friends of the victims and survivors and representatives from the industry will gather for an act of remembrance in the Piper Alpha Memorial Garden at Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen.
Offshore workers unable to attend will be able to pay their respects as the service is being streamed on the UK Oil and Gas Chaplaincy Facebook page on Friday July 6 at 7pm.
The Reverend Gordon Craig, chaplain to the UK offshore oil and gas industry, has organised the Act of Remembrance and said: “We may be three decades on from the world’s worst offshore disaster but for families, friends, colleagues and survivors the memories and feelings of loss are no less.
“Our service will enable those to come together with representatives from the city and industry and remember the loved ones who tragically never made it home.”
As well as the roll-call of those who lost their lives there will be a minute’s silence and wreaths will be laid by family members, Oil and Gas UK chief executive Deirdre Michie and Steve Rae, a trustee from the Pound for Piper Trust.
Aberdeen’s Lord Provost Barney Crockett will lay the city council’s floral tribute.
He said the events of July 6 1988 had been etched on the city’s collective memory and it was important for Abderdeen and the offshore sector to unite to mark the anniversary.
Mr Crockett said: “The shocking events of that night 30 years ago are imprinted on the Aberdeen memory forever.
“We will never forget that 167 men died in the Piper Alpha tragedy, which is why it is so important that the city of Aberdeen and industry come together for this Act of Remembrance.
“We want to let those affected, particularly the families, know that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them and that our thoughts are with them now and forever.”
The Act of Remembrance at Hazlehead Park is the key event to mark the 30th anniversary, but other events are being held.
The Oil Chapel at the Kirk of St Nicholas Uniting in Aberdeen will open on Friday July 6 between noon and 4pm to enable people to view the original Book of Remembrance or light a candle.
On Saturday July 7, Ferryhill Parish Church will keep its Church Sanctuary open from 10am to 4pm and there is also a chance to meet Jennifer-Jane Bayliss, the designer of the Piper Alpha stained-glass window.
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