Diving anniversary marked in Stromness

Heriot-Watt University are celebrating 50 years of scientific and research diving this week, marking a period which saw the university connect marine biology with Scotland’s burgeoning offshore oil industry, a research development that led to it being recognised today as a world leader in both areas.

Heriot-Watt diving activities started in the early 1960’s and in 1964 preparations were made for scientific survey work in the Canaries. This work on seaweed biology resulted in scientific journal publications. Since the 1970s, however, Heriot-Watt research diving has been closely associated with Orkney.

The oil boom and, in particular, the opening of the Flotta and Sullom Voe oil terminals in Orkney and Shetland, brought new purpose to the University’s marine biology courses.

A team of 12 Heriot-Watt staff and students, who are completing another research survey in Scapa Flow this week, are due to gather in Stromness Town Hall tonight, Friday, with many other guests for an event to celebrate 50 years of advancing research through scientific diving.