The Convener of The Highland Council Councillor, Sandy Park, has received positive news from both the UK and Scottish Governments over plans to regenerate the former oil fabrication yard and surrounding land at Nigg, East Ross as a multi-user facility over the next 15-20 years.

The Scottish Government's Enterprise Energy and Tourism Minister, Jim Mather, MSP, has agreed to chair a meeting of the key parties interested in moving forward the Nigg Yard Development Master Plan. This will take place in Inverness on 27 July.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy MP, has contacted the Convener to confirm his 100% support for the regeneration of the yard and to accept an invitation from the Convener to visit the yard.

The Convener wrote to Jim Murphy to encourage the UK Government to increase its interest in the Nigg facility given its UK-wide significance.

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Councillor Park said: "The regeneration of the Nigg yard is a matter that concerns everyone in our area and I am absolutely delighted by the prompt and positive responses from both Governments. It is great to know that we are all pulling in the same direction to maximise the benefits of this facility.

"We see Nigg as having significant potential, both for oil related activity but more importantly in meeting renewable energy production targets for offshore wind and marine development. 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."

In May, the Council's Planning, Environment and Development Committee considered and approved the final draft of the Nigg Master Plan for public consultation. 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.

The Masterplan forms a key part of the statutory development plan process and is intended to inform and provide feasible options on how the site could be redeveloped to contribute to the economic regeneration of the North of Scotland.

The public has until Friday 7 August, to have their say on the final draft of the Masterplan.

Together with the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmerntal Report, the Master Plan, 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)