Council backs efforts of energy taskforce

Efforts to investigate the development of oil and gas opportunities in the Highlands and Islands are being supported by Orkney Islands Council.

A taskforce has been launched to look at ways of expanding the supply chain for the sector across the north of Scotland.

Councillor James Stockan, chairman of the OIC development and infrastructure committee, said: “We are keen to support this welcome initiative.

“Recognising the pressure facing the oil and gas industry in and around Aberdeen as it becomes stretched to capacity, there’s a shared desire to work together to look at opportunities to support the sector in Orkney and other areas of the Highlands and Islands.

“It represents an excellent opportunity for Orkney to pursue new energy opportunities as we explore every avenue for generating economic benefits for our islands.”