Orkney Islands Council has welcomed the creation of Scotland's first Marine Energy Park, covering the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.

The initiative was launched on July 30 by the UK Government's Energy and Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker.

The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Energy Park incorporates the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), where testing of a wide range of wave and tidal energy devices is already under way.

The park will build on collaborative partnerships between Government, Orkney Islands Council, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and local expertise, to help speed up progress of wave and tidal power development.

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Mr Barker said: "It's great to see Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters confirm their place on the marine power map with the launch of the second of the Coalition Government’s UK Marine Energy Parks.

"This area is already a vital part of the marine energy industry, thanks to its high tidal stream and wave resource."

Convener of Orkney Islands Council, Councillor Steven Heddle, said EMEC's test sites had established it as a world-leading facility, and further council investment in piers and onshore facilities at Lyness, Hatston and Stromness showed the authority's "confidence in the successful commercialisation of marine renewables and offshore wind, and in our ability to service these activities.

He concluded: "We welcome the launch of the Marine Energy Park, and look forward to working with our partners to drive development and economic prosperity for our communities."

(NE)