The Scottish Government welcomes the announcement from Total that production has started from the west of Shetland Laggan and Tormore fields. The gas from those fields will be sent to the newly constructed Shetland gas plant, where it will be treated and processed before being exported to the mainland. It is the success of such large investment projects that will see the Shetland Islands remain a key hub for oil and gas production in the North Sea. Production from the North Sea as a whole is now increasing and cost efficiencies are being achieved. The Laggan and Tormore fields, which have a lifespan of 20 years, will provide a further boost to North Sea production.