A new quayside is to be developed at Nigg, it has been announced.

News of the 36.5m project came as First Minister Alex Salmond witnessed the signing of an agreement by Global Energy Group and Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd (MORL) to explore the potential of Nigg Energy Park to be used in the construction of an offshore wind farm in Moray Firth.

MORL has proposed installing 62 turbines.

The MORL project was one of two planned for the Outer Moray Firth that was given approval from the Scottish government in March.

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The First Minister said: "Offshore renewables represent a huge opportunity for Scotland to reap both economic benefits and become a power house of green energy.

"That is why it is important to support the new Nigg quayside development – which in turn will see a £190 million additional turnover, and £462 million in aggregate over the first three years of operation.

"Today's MoU will provide opportunities for dialogue between MORL and Global Energy Group, the supply chain and potential inward investors to discuss the skills requirements needed for this emerging project.

"It also has the potential for creating up to 2400 jobs in construction, and a further 330 through operations and maintenance which is fantastic news for the area and Scotland. The Nigg Skills Academy will also be well placed to assist in completing the necessary training, whether this be through Modern Apprenticeship schemes or other forms of training."

(JP/IT)