A major redevelopment of Aberdeen Maritime Museum's Energy Exploration galleries is to go ahead after Oil & Gas UK members raised the minimum £360,000 required for the project.

The project aims to provide a one-stop shop for people who want to explore the history of the exciting industry and it could see museum visitor numbers rise to more than 100,000 annually.

Oil & Gas UK's Board and Council members have backed and are wholly funding the redevelopment project, which is well aligned with the organisation's desire to raise the profile of the industry in terms of its contribution to the economy and energy security as well as its good operational, safety and environmental record.

The project involves re-developing the Education Suite to create a vibrant and sustainable visitor experience and revamping the central 'link' building, the location of the oil and gas galleries, to include: first floor – North Sea environment; second floor – oil and gas exploration and production; third floor – life offshore.

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Oil & Gas UK chief executive Malcolm Webb said: "I am delighted that Oil & Gas UK members have come forward in force to support a project that will significantly improve our ability to convey the wonderful achievements of the industry to the public at large. Aberdeen will now have a museum that properly reflects the fascinating technology and working practices of our oil and gas industry."

Councillor Andy May, Convener of Education, Culture and Sport, added: "I am absolutely delighted by this news and very pleased indeed to see that the oil and gas industry is taking a very active and practical interest in the city and the large number of firms which are contributing to this.

"The opportunity to equip Aberdeen with a museum reflecting the industry's cutting edge technology and expertise must be grasped now, as must the chance to showcase the city as a European, if not global, energy hub."

The oil and gas galleries at the Maritime Museum, the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry, were last updated in 1997 and require further development.

(GK/KMcA)