Key Cabinet Ministers visit Nigg

Following the successful purchase of the 238 acre Nigg Yard facility, the Chairman of the Global Energy Group, Roy MacGregor welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander and local Westminster MP, John Thurso to Nigg to provide them with an insight into the history and legacy of Nigg and took the opportunity to highlight the potential opportunities for the site over the coming years as a modern multi user facility serving a range of energy sectors, including oil and gas and renewables.

The chancellor took this opportunity to make a significant announcement regarding the release of some £100 million to the Scottish Government for their use within the renewables industry. 

Mr Osborne said the UK government was committed to creating jobs across Scotland - particularly in the green energy sector.

He said: "It's great news that we have been able to cut through the arguments and the wrangling with the Scottish government that have stopped this money being invested in the past.

"It shows how serious the UK government is in its support for Scotland's green future."

Mr Alexander added: "The UK government is strongly committed to supporting the growth of this sector in Scotland in the long term."  

Roy MacGregor commented, “We were pleased to have this early opportunity to meet with the Chancellor and key Government Ministers to discuss and show them the wonderful opportunity Nigg will create for not just Global but for the wider highland community and the announcement was great news for Scotland and the renewables industry. We have made no secret of our ambition to develop Nigg into a multi energy site and feel we are geographically well placed to maximise the opportunities within oil and gas and the emerging renewables industry. Nigg is in need of some work to bring it up to a high standard, as, other than our own fabrication company, Isleburn leasing space, the buildings and site has been dormant for a number of years. We are therefore working hard in putting the plans in place for some significant upgrade work in areas of the site to allow us to capitalise on the opportunities we feel could be open to us. These works will be vital in our quest in trying to create further employment opportunities in the area and although, this will not happen overnight, our knowledge to date would suggest Nigg will come to life again over the coming years and this will be fantastic for the area.”