A new pier at Copland's Dock, Stromness, has been officially opened by First Minister Alex Salmond.

A decision to increase the harbour's capacity was made by Orkney Islands Council (OIC) following an increase in marine traffic. Funding from the OIC (£6.25m), Scottish Government (£2.5m) and the European Regional Development Fund (£1.8m), allowed a new 100-meter pier to be constructed, while an access road was also created to provide greater marine energy access to the harbour and a local industrial estate.

Speaking at the official opening, the First Minister said: "Offshore renewables represent a huge opportunity for Scotland to reap both economic and environmental benefits. Scottish waters offer the majority of the UK's wave resources and Orkney is at the very centre of the emerging marine renewables sector.

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"More than 40% of electricity consumed in Scotland in 2012 was from renewable sources. We have invested, and will continue to invest, in projects such as the new Copland's Dock development ensuring that our maritime communities are well-placed to capitalise on these economic opportunities."

Councillor James Stockan, Chair of Orkney Islands Council's Development and Infrastructure Committee, added: "The opening of the pier and marine renewables base at Copland's Dock is the final piece in the jigsaw for an ambitious project to support the wave and tidal energy industries marking the end of a £23million investment programme.

"Orkney is playing a world leading role in the development of technologies that harness energy from the seas around us. The Council has responded by providing new and upgraded marine and shore based support facilities at three key locations in our islands."

(JP/IT)