Up to £1.1 million has been awarded to seven decommissioning projects across Scotland.

Grant offers from the Decommissioning Challenge Fund have been made to projects in Dundee, Methil, Montrose, Ardersier, Stornoway and Hunterston.

The schemes will support work towards infrastructure improvements for decommissioning at ports and yards, including the installation of the UK's largest permanent quayside crane in Dundee.

A second round of funding is now underway and a further six projects, including two specialist decommissioning equipment projects in Shetland, remain under consideration to receive £1.4m of funding.

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Speaking during a visit to Stornoway Port Authority, which was one of the projects to receive a grant offer, Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: "Companies across the supply chain are actively engaged in decommissioning projects, with Scottish based firms having secured more than half of the value of contracts awarded.

"Our Decommissioning Challenge Fund is a clear signal to the market to think seriously about decommissioning – a market forecasted to be worth £17 billion by 2025 - and to plan and invest accordingly.

"In spite of the competition, Scotland has distinct advantages and assets that make it an attractive offer – and we are doing everything possible to stimulate investment and ensure our oil and gas sector remains competitive and attractive for decades to come."

(LM)