Council welcomes revival of former Nigg oil yard

The Highland Council welcomes the news that the Global Energy Group has successfully concluded its negotiations aimed at bringing the Nigg complex in East Ross fully back into productive use.

The Council has actively campaigned over recent years for the revival of industrial activity at the former oil fabrication site and prepared a development masterplan for the site in September 2009.  This outlined its vision for how the site could be used as a multi-activity, multi-user industrial facility.

Convener Sandy Park said: “This is great news for the Highland economy and promises to bring much-needed and high quality jobs to the region.  We wish Global Energy every success in unlocking the potential of the Nigg Energy Park.  Success will significantly contribute to ensuring sustainable economic growth here within the Highlands but also for the overall Scottish economy.”

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of the Council’s Planning Environment and Development Committee, also welcomed the announcement.

He said:  “It is a site capable of delivering an integrated manufacturing service for the offshore renewable energy industry, as well as ensuring that the Global Energy Group can continue to develop their services to the offshore oil and gas industry.

“The Council will now work with the Global Energy Group to bring the facility back into productive use at the earliest possible opportunity and currently are in the process of considering grant assistance towards the removal of derelict buildings and opening up of the site for redevelopment.”

SNP Councillor and Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Drew Hendry welcomed the news that Global Energy have taken over the Nigg facility. He said: "This is a fantastic moment and heralds a new opportunity to harness the energy and ambition of the Highlands and its people.  It will be important to seize this chance to create skilled jobs and opportunities for young people throughout the whole for the Highlands.  We will do whatever we can to support the further development of this facility".
 

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