Efforts looking at the development of oil and gas opportunities in the Highlands and Islands are being supported by Orkney Islands Council (OIC).

A taskforce has been established to investigate ways of expanding the supply chain for the sector across the North of Scotland.

The Energy North Oil and Gas Taskforce will focus on skills, supply-chain, location and infrastructure, and will bring together senior industry representatives and leading trade body Energy North, with the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Scottish Enterprise, Local Authorities and Skills Development Scotland.

-- Advertisement --

Councillor James Stockan, Chair of the Council's Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: "We are keen to support this welcome initiative.

"Recognising the pressure facing the oil and gas industry in and around Aberdeen as it becomes stretched to capacity, there's a shared desire to work together to look at opportunities to support the sector in Orkney and other areas of the Highlands and Islands.

"It represents an excellent opportunity for Orkney to pursue new energy opportunities as we explore every avenue for generating economic benefits for our islands."

(JP/IT)