Dave Thompson MSP

SNP MSPs Dave Thompson and Chic Brodie have welcomed the announcement that a team of petroleum geologists - led by Dr Nick Schofield, Lecturer in Petroleum Geology at the University of Aberdeen - are on Skye exploring the potential for oil production along the west coast of Scotland.

Geologists from international energy companies OMV, Dong, JX Nippon, Statoil and ENI have also joined the trip in an attempt to establish the prospects for commercial extraction.

SNP MSP Dave Thompson said: “It is welcome news that experts are exploring the potential for oil production on the west coast of Scotland – and we will eagerly await the outcome of this.

“Westminster has played fast and loose with our oil revenue and mismanaged the North Sea industry for decades – with tax grabs from successive Chancellors holding the industry back and putting jobs and investment at risk. The UK Government's delayed response to the current situation in the North Sea proves beyond doubt it is time for a new approach.

Chic Brodie MSP, who last year lodged Freedom of Information requests that uncovered the Ministry of Defence had blocked a potential oil boom in the Firth of Clyde during the 1980s, said:

“I am delighted to note that petroleum geology experts from both academia and industry are investigating the potential for oil in the inshore basins along the west coast of Scotland.

“With the right support, Scotland’s oil and gas industry has a bright future – and with a strong team of SNP MPs holding the Westminster establishment to account, we can guarantee that support is delivered and that the interests of the sector simply can’t be ignored in the House of Commons any longer.

Note:

The work led by Dr Nick Schofield is reported in today’s Press & Journal, p35.