An oil and gas taskforce that was set up a year ago to spread the benefits of Scotland’s oil and gas industry beyond its traditional heartland has been hailed a success.
Energy North, the representative body for the energy industry in the Highlands and islands, told the Press and Journal yesterday the fledgling group was already achieving results.
Driven by Energy North, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Scottish Enterprise and more than 20 energy and supply chain companies, the taskforce – chaired by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing- launched last June.
The main objective was to accelerate job-creating oil and gas industry growth across the north in support of activity in and around Aberdeen.
A recent taskforce guidance group meeting highlighted the progress so far on skills, supply-chain development and infrastructure promotion.
Energy North chief executive Ian Couper said education providers throughout the region were contacted in order to identify specific local skills needs, and this information would be fed back to SDS and the Scottish Government.
He added: Energy North is also working closely with SDS to deliver a project targeting school pupils and careers officers.
“The first stage of this was to undertake an awareness survey of students, the results from which will be published shortly.”
Taskforce member Sidney Johnston, vice-president of innovation and strategy at Aberdeen oil and gas technology firm SPEX, said both operators and service firms were keen to be part of the new group.
Mr Johnston added: “Having these companies involved and engaging with the supply chain across the Highlands and islands is resulting in a win-win situation for all areas.
“Most companies focus on their own oil and gas developments and their sector.
“Getting the investors, operators and the supply chain to collaborate fits perfectly with the recently published Wood Report and is stimulating jobs growth for all trades.”
The taskforce has also been working on a new oil and gas supply chain directory, which will be published within the next few weeks.
In addition, roadshows highlighting oil and gas investments and the opportunities they create are being held in Orkney this week and in Shetland and the Cromarty Firth later this year. Events in Caithness and Moray are also planned.
The taskforce is due to meet again in late summer.
Lerwick harbourmaster and taskforce member Calum Grains said: “With a well-established supply chain in the Highlands and islands, including strategically-located facilities, the broad-based resources continue to be enhanced and expanded to meet the industry’s changing requirements.”
Mr Ewing added: “The oil and gas sector has faced some challenges, yet despite that there are many positive things happening.
“The outlook for the sector’s future is bright, and through cooperation, hard work, and bold ambition it will grow even stronger and deliver for Scotland a secure sustainable energy supply that promotes economic opportunity.”