Nigg Yard

Scottish Executive Question Time — General Questions – in the Scottish Parliament at 11:39 am on 25 November 2010.

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Photo of Jamie Stone Jamie Stone Liberal Democrat 11:39, 25 November 2010

To ask the Scottish Executive what efforts are being made to bring the Nigg yard in Easter Ross into full use. (S3O-12065)

Photo of Jim Mather Jim Mather Scottish National Party

Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Development International continue to engage with KBR and with agents for the Wakelyn trust. The situation is moving forward and further discussions are planned. HIE and SDI are continuing to work with the objective of achieving a successful outcome for all parties that will bring the Nigg yard into full use.

Photo of Jamie Stone Jamie Stone Liberal Democrat

The continuing delay is deeply frustrating, both for my constituents and for me. Does the minister agree with me that, as time goes by, we are in danger of losing the skills that we have in Easter Ross and east Sutherland, and that the yard has a huge future not just in renewables fabrication but with regard to existing oilfields in the North Sea, where more work needs to be done?

Photo of Jim Mather Jim Mather Scottish National Party

Yes, indeed. We are highly conscious of the high strategic importance of Nigg to Scotland. It was recently emphasised in the national renewables infrastructure plan. I also share the member's view that the opportunities there are a blend of work from new renewables and from oil and gas, which has many years to go and many other dimensions to move into, including west of Shetland and on the Atlantic margin. I can assure the member that HIE and SDI are continuing to pursue a successful outcome.

Photo of Rob Gibson Rob Gibson Scottish National Party

Given that competitors are snapping at our heels to develop offshore renewables, and given the 18 months of reluctance on the part of Highland Council to begin a compulsory purchase order to liberate Nigg, when and how many times did Highland Council and HIE contact the Scottish Government to discuss a way forward for Nigg?

Photo of Jim Mather Jim Mather Scottish National Party

I am afraid that I cannot give the member a detailed answer as to how often they did so, but I will do that in writing. SDI and HIE have briefed Highland Council officials on the matter frequently and throughout the process. That is part of the on-going teamwork that SDI, HIE and the Highland Council are involved in with regard to Nigg. I have been involved on several occasions, meeting representatives of KBR in Inverness—as well as a wide group of allies and stakeholders—and across in Houston, Texas.