£15m blueprint to upgrade harbour

Construction work at Scrabster could start next year

A harbour in the Highlands could be upgraded at a cost of £15m to help it meet demands from the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors.

Scrabster Harbour Trust said it would allow it to offer services found at ports in the north east.

The plan has been driven by oil exploration on the Atlantic Frontier and 'green' power developments proposed for the Pentland Firth.

Subject to funding, the work is planned to begin in 2008.

Included in the proposals is a new deepwater quay.

Construction work is expected to generate significant job opportunities, particularly for local firms.

A second development will see a seven-figure investment to modernise the existing oil tanker quay.

The quay will be heightened and additional pier space created, ensuring that the new generation of oil tankers can continue to access Scrabster to deliver supplies.

The trust expects the outline design and funding applications to be complete by the end of 2007.