MAJOR OIL AND GAS EVENT TO BE HELD IN INVERGORDON

20th May 2010

Key figures from the UK's oil sector will converge on Invergordon next month to discuss ways to strengthen the industry's links between Aberdeen and the Highlands.

The two-day networking and awareness event - the first of its kind - has been organised by leading energy and engineering organisation North Scotland Industries Group (NSIG) and will be held on June 8 and 9.

Attendees will include representatives from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Oil & Gas UK, Transocean, AMEC, Decom North Sea, Offshore Contractors Association and Scottish Manufacturers Advisory Service (SMAS).

The event, which will be held at Kincraig Castle Hotel, Invergordon, will include presentations, workshops, a share fair to showcase members from the North of Scotland and a question and answers session, followed by site visits including trips to the Cromarty Firth Port Authority service base in Invergordon, RBG and Global Energy.

NSIG chief executive Ian Couper said: "The aim of this event is really to help raise awareness in the oil industry both in the North East and the North, of the mutual benefits that exist from working together.

"The Highlands has some of the best facilities in the UK for supporting the oil and gas sector, with the Cromarty Firth being one of Scotland's premier deepwater ports with a thriving inspection, repair and maintenance industry. But there are many companies in the region that could provide excellent services to the Aberdeen-based oil and gas sector. We want to make that sector more aware of the opportunities that exist in the Highlands.

"There are also benefits that the Aberdeen-based companies could achieve through working with their close neighbours, rather than looking further afield for support and services."

With more than 120 members stretching form Aberdeen to the Outer Hebrides and from Shetland and Orkney to Argyll, NSIG is well placed to provide a unified voice for the energy and engineering sector.

"There is tremendous potential for a win-win situation here, where the Aberdeen-based oil and gas industry takes advantage of the high quality service industry in the Highlands, and the Highland economy benefits as a result. We want to remind our friends in Aberdeen that the facilities and services they require are right here, on their doorstep, with companies ready and willing to help," said Mr Couper