Amazing opportunity for Nigg say Scots Secretary and John Thurso MP

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Sep 2009

Jim Murphy, Secretary of State for Scotland, today visited Nigg Yard with local MP John Thurso and representatives from the Highland Council and Highland and Island Enterprise. KBR, the US engineering firm presented Mr Murphy with their plans for large scale investment in the site in order to turn it into a centre for the construction of off shore wind turbines - a sector the Government has ambitious plans for and is keen to support.

The UK Government plans to get 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. A significant part of this will involve increasing the energy we get from offshore wind from a relatively insignificant 3-4GW to a phenomenal 25GW in just over 10 years and this is without factoring in Scotland where Holyrood takes the lead.

Given prevailing Government policy at Westminster and Holyrood, KBR are keen to make a significant capital investment in the site. HIE in turn have suggested that they are open to requests to help with the funding of the project. This renewed interest in developing Nigg Yard means it might no longer be necessary for the Highland Council to seek a Compulsory Purchase Order in order to release the site for investment. Although keen, KBR were careful to point out that plans had yet to be finalised.

Jim Murphy said:

"They have enormous plans for the production of giant offshore wind turbines. The site employed thousands of people 10 years or so ago. Over the next 10 years I think that will be happening again."

John Thurso said:

"Nigg Yard is in many ways ideally suited to be a centre for the construction of offshore wind turbines and with Government encouragement it looks like KBR have the ambition to be a significant player in the market and bring many skilled jobs to the area. Offshore wind turbines in Scotland are going to play an important part in cutting our carbon emissions and increasing our energy security in the future. I would be delighted if the Nigg Yard could play a significant role in that market in the future and am grateful to the Minster for his visit and support."