Minister asked to oil yard talks

The yard was used for the assembly of two offshore wind turbines

Government has been urged to take a greater interest in efforts to put a former oil industry fabrication yard in Easter Ross back into business.

Highland Council has asked Enterprise Minister Jim Mather to chair a meeting discussing the future of Nigg.

It has also pressed Secretary of State Jim Murphy to encourage the UK Government to become involved.

Potential roles for the site include using it in the construction of renewable energy devices.

Nigg has previously been used to assemble two experimental offshore wind turbines.

We see Nigg Yard as having significant potential Sandy Park Convener

A draft master plan commissioned by Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) sets out how the yard could be redeveloped.

The plan's authors estimated its revival could be worth between £60m and £65m a year to the Highlands economy.

They said turning the site into a "multi-user industrial facility" could provide an average of 800-850 jobs over the next 15-20 years.

Bids to revive the yard have been frustrated by a disagreement between Nigg's owners.

The local authority has looked at the possibility of instructing a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to take control of the site.

Council convener Sandy Park said the master plan was key to unlocking the yard's potential.

He said: "We see Nigg Yard as having significant potential, both for oil-related activity but more importantly in assisting the Scottish Government in achieving its renewable energy production targets for offshore wind and marine development."

Ian Ross, Highland Council's planning committee chairman, said: "During the 1960s and 70s a strategic approach was taken to the development of oil platform construction yards and as a council we feel strongly that a similar approach should be taken for the offshore wind and marine sectors.

"We hope that Jim Mather is able to accept our invitation and look forward to hearing his views on the proposals in the draft plan."

People have until 7 August to have their say on the final draft of the plan.