The Convener of The Highland Council has written to the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism inviting him to chair a meeting of parties interested in moving forward the Nigg Yard Development Master Plan.

On May 20 members of the Council's Planning, Environment and Development Committee considered and approved the final draft of the Master Plan for public consultation. As part of the consultation process, the Council is seeking the Scottish Government's views on the draft plan and how it can help unlock the potential of the Nigg Yard.

Convener Sandy Park said: "I have written to Jim Mather, the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism inviting him to chair a meeting between all interested parties. We see Nigg Yard as having significant potential, both for oil related activity but more importantly in assisting the Scottish Government in achieving its renewable energy production targets for offshore wind and marine development.

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"We strongly believe that the Master Plan is the key to unlock the potential of Nigg and contribute to the regeneration of the local area."

The Convener has also written to the Rt Hon Jim Murphy MP, Secretary of State for Scotland to encourage the UK Government to increase its interest in the Nigg facility given its UK wide significance.

The report, commissioned by the Council and HIE, sets out a number of options for the former yard site and in particular the graving dock which is viewed as a key asset for Scotland and the UK.

Chairman of the Planning, Environment and Development Committee, Councillor Ian Ross added: "During the 1960's and 70's a strategic approach was taken to the development of oil platform construction yards and as a Council we feel strongly that a similar approach should be taken for the offshore wind and marine sectors. We hope that Jim Mather is able to accept our invitation and look forward to hearing his views on the proposals in the draft Plan."

People have until Friday 7 August, to have their say on the final draft of the Masterplan. The Master Plan, together with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report is available at Service Points in Alness, Dingwall, Dornoch, Fortrose, Invergordon, Muir of Ord, and Tain as well as at local libraries, local planning offices and Avoch, Balintore, Culbokie, Dingwall, Evanton, Fortrose, Munlochy, and Poyntzfield post offices.

(GK/JM)