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North Sea

Image: Adobe Stock

Data Capital: From ‘black gold’ to ‘new gold’

Gary Ferguson Pic: Carlo Paloni
Gary Ferguson Pic: Carlo Paloni

Former Royal Navy diver launches Combat Journal to help build mental resilience

The winners of what is said to be the world’s first round of leasing projects designed to enable offshore wind energy to directly supply oil and gas platforms have been announced by Crown Estate Scotland.
The winners of what is said to be the world’s first round of leasing projects designed to enable offshore wind energy to directly supply oil and gas platforms have been announced by Crown Estate Scotland.

First leases enabling offshore wind to supply oil platforms announced

Ash Regan, left, Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes are standing to be the next SNP leader (Picture: Peter Devlin For Sky News via Getty Images)
Ash Regan, left, Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes are standing to be the next SNP leader (Picture: Peter Devlin For Sky News via Getty Images)

Will SNP pick the new Sturgeon, new Salmond or possibly their version of Truss?

Dozens of oil and gas platforms in UK waters are set to be brought to a standstill as around 1,400 offshore workers across five companies go on strike to demand a better deal on jobs, pay and conditions - the move comes after energy giants posted record profits
Dozens of oil and gas platforms in UK waters are set to be brought to a standstill as around 1,400 offshore workers across five companies go on strike to demand a better deal on jobs, pay and conditions - the move comes after energy giants posted record profits

North Sea workers plan ‘tsunami’ of strikes amid oil and gas profits boom

There are some Scottish clans that include ‘visible relics’ of their Norse ancestors. For example, the MacIvors were originally the sons of Ivar, Macaulay the songs of Olaf, MacAskill the sons of Asgeir and MacSween the sons of Swein. The ‘Mac’ surname prefix meaning ‘son’ is Scottish in origin as a Gaelic term.
There are some Scottish clans that include ‘visible relics’ of their Norse ancestors. For example, the MacIvors were originally the sons of Ivar, Macaulay the songs of Olaf, MacAskill the sons of Asgeir and MacSween the sons of Swein. The ‘Mac’ surname prefix meaning ‘son’ is Scottish in origin as a Gaelic term.

Vikings & Scotland: 9 Incredible facts about ancient Vikings in Scotland

Offshore Energies UK has used the example of Irish dependency on imports piped from Scotland to warn that banning new oil and gas licencing in UK waters could leave the nation at the mercy of other countries for supplies and could be 'irreversible'
Offshore Energies UK has used the example of Irish dependency on imports piped from Scotland to warn that banning new oil and gas licencing in UK waters could leave the nation at the mercy of other countries for supplies and could be 'irreversible'

North Sea drilling ban could be ‘irreversible’ and leave UK dependent on imports

Some people go swimming outdoors without making a fuss about it (Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Some people go swimming outdoors without making a fuss about it (Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Wild swimming Instagrammers are giving plain old 'swimming' a bad name

The firm is active in the Catcher oil field in the UK central North Sea, about 174 kilometres from Aberdeen. Picture: contributed.
The firm is active in the Catcher oil field in the UK central North Sea, about 174 kilometres from Aberdeen. Picture: contributed.

UK's Harbour Energy sees profit jump 'all but wiped out' by windfall tax

Workers do not have the same rights at sea as they do on land or even when tied up to a turbine (Picture: Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images)
Workers do not have the same rights at sea as they do on land or even when tied up to a turbine (Picture: Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images)

Offshore workers’ rights must improve as part of ‘Just Transition'

Picture: Andy Buchanan - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Picture: Andy Buchanan - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate Forbes indicates she does not support presumption against oil and gas

The Northern Lights are a stunning sight
The Northern Lights are a stunning sight

EasyJet pilot makes manoeuvre so passengers can see Northern Lights

Martin Compston stars as Fulmer in Amazon's thriller The Rig.
Martin Compston stars as Fulmer in Amazon's thriller The Rig.

The Rig: Scotland’s North Sea-set ‘eco-thriller’ to get a second series

Comedian Frankie Boyle and climate campaigner Vanessa Nakate have urged the Prime Minister to throw out plans to develop a new oil and gas field in the North Sea.
Comedian Frankie Boyle and climate campaigner Vanessa Nakate have urged the Prime Minister to throw out plans to develop a new oil and gas field in the North Sea.

Frankie Boyle calls on PM to reject plans for Rosebank oil field

Cove Harbour, Berwickshire, at the start of the Southern Upland Way. Pic: J Christie
Cove Harbour, Berwickshire, at the start of the Southern Upland Way. Pic: J Christie

Janet Christie's Mum's the Word – A walk through the uplands of kinaesthetics

A weather warning is in place for much of Scotland
A weather warning is in place for much of Scotland

Storm Otto: Scotland braced for 75mph winds as Met Office issue weather warning

British Gas report record-breaking profits amid UK energy crisis

GUH chief exec Neil Gordon
GUH chief exec Neil Gordon

Subsea capability crucial to UK capitalising on floating offshore wind - Neil G...

Rights to build wind farms in Scottish waters may have been sold off far too cheaply (Picture: Ben Birchall/PA)
Rights to build wind farms in Scottish waters may have been sold off far too cheaply (Picture: Ben Birchall/PA)

Offshore wind giveaway may have cost Scotland billions of pounds – Brian Wilson

​Craig Smith says the future is full of optimism for the firm.
​Craig Smith says the future is full of optimism for the firm.

Exceptional first year gets decom specialist off to flying start

A family in Canvey Island, Essex, is evacuated from their home after the disastrous floods in 1953 (Picture: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
A family in Canvey Island, Essex, is evacuated from their home after the disastrous floods in 1953 (Picture: Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Lessons of 1953 North Sea flood must not be forgotten – Martyn McLaughlin

A survey by Aberdeen-based advisory firm True North has found that 87 per cent of people in Scotland think the UK should aim to meet its demand for oil and gas from domestic production
A survey by Aberdeen-based advisory firm True North has found that 87 per cent of people in Scotland think the UK should aim to meet its demand for oil and gas from domestic production

Oil and gas used in Scotland should come from domestic sources, survey finds

Many oil fields in the North Sea are reaching the end of their productive life, but proposals to drill at new sites is causing ongoing controversy due to the role of fossil fuels in driving climate change
Many oil fields in the North Sea are reaching the end of their productive life, but proposals to drill at new sites is causing ongoing controversy due to the role of fossil fuels in driving climate change

Start drilling at Cambo and Rosebank and shut down depleted oil wells: expert

Martin Compston stars as Fulmer in the six-part thriller, The Rig (Picture: Amazon Prime Video/PA)
Martin Compston stars as Fulmer in the six-part thriller, The Rig (Picture: Amazon Prime Video/PA)

Stephen King's praise for Scots series The Rig

Liam Kerr says oil and gas is essential to securing our energy supply.
Liam Kerr says oil and gas is essential to securing our energy supply.

SNP's 'slap in the face' for oil workers

Rosalie Chadwick, Partner and Global Head of Oil and Gas, Pinsent Masons
Rosalie Chadwick, Partner and Global Head of Oil and Gas, Pinsent Masons

Oil and gas still have a big energy supply role - Rosalie Chadwick

The UK Government has been urged not to allow the Rosebank field in the North Sea to go ahead. Photo: Getty Images
The UK Government has been urged not to allow the Rosebank field in the North Sea to go ahead. Photo: Getty Images

UK Government defends Scottish oil and gas

Nicola Sturgeon during a visit to PNDC in Wardpark North, Cumbernauld
Nicola Sturgeon during a visit to PNDC in Wardpark North, Cumbernauld

Plan for presumption against new oil and gas exploration in North Sea

Offshore wind in Scotland
Offshore wind in Scotland

Analysis: What is in the SNP's new energy strategy?

Martin Compston stars as communications operator Fulmer in The Rig
Martin Compston stars as communications operator Fulmer in The Rig

It's tricky to make oil rig life look real but Compston's drama succeeds.

Shell aims to become a net zero emissions energy business by 2050.
Shell aims to become a net zero emissions energy business by 2050.

Shell flags $2 billion hit from UK and European windfall taxes in last quarter

The UK Government has been urged not to allow the Rosebank field in the North Sea to go ahead. Photo: Getty Images
The UK Government has been urged not to allow the Rosebank field in the North Sea to go ahead. Photo: Getty Images

UK Government urged to halt 'climate-wrecking' Rosebank oil field plans

Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has welcomed the agreement.
Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has welcomed the agreement.

UK and EU agree fishing opportunities for 2023

The UK agreed catch levels for 2023 for six important fish stocks in the North Sea
The UK agreed catch levels for 2023 for six important fish stocks in the North Sea

UK reaches agreement on key fish stocks for 2023

The outgoing chief executive of Offshore Energies UK has warned against 'environmental populism'. Photo: Getty Images
The outgoing chief executive of Offshore Energies UK has warned against 'environmental populism'. Photo: Getty Images

Outgoing boss of oil and gas trade body warns against 'environmental populism'

Emily Hampshire, Martin Compston and Iain Glen pictured at a premiere of the first episode of the new Amazon Prime series The Rig at the Everyman cinema in Edinburgh ahead of its launch on 6 January. Picture: Andrew Timms
Emily Hampshire, Martin Compston and Iain Glen pictured at a premiere of the first episode of the new Amazon Prime series The Rig at the Everyman cinema in Edinburgh ahead of its launch on 6 January. Picture: Andrew Timms

The Rig: Stars launch Scotland's supernatural North Sea thriller

North Star entered the offshore wind market last year after winning all four long-term charter service operations vessel (SOV) awards for the giant Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
North Star entered the offshore wind market last year after winning all four long-term charter service operations vessel (SOV) awards for the giant Dogger Bank Wind Farm.

Aberdeen vessel operator North Star nets £140m for major wind support push

This deal builds on the close relationship and cooperation between the UK and Norway
This deal builds on the close relationship and cooperation between the UK and Norway

UK reaches deal with Norway to secure opportunities for UK fishing industry

PD&MS CEO Simon Rio and Thomas Barter, head of renewables business development, outside the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm base at Montrose Port. Picture: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media
PD&MS CEO Simon Rio and Thomas Barter, head of renewables business development, outside the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm base at Montrose Port. Picture: Ross Johnston/Newsline Media

Aberdeen firm lands work on Scotland's largest offshore wind farm

Owners of oil and gas installations and pipelines have a legal responsibility to decommission their offshore infrastructure at the end of a field’s economic life, including removal of rigs, pipes and other equipment and capping off wells. In 2021 a tenth of oil and gas expenditure on the UK Continental Shelf went on decommissioning, with the proportion rising this year to 14 per cent this year and expected to reach 19 per cent by 2031. Picture: Coen de Jong
Owners of oil and gas installations and pipelines have a legal responsibility to decommission their offshore infrastructure at the end of a field’s economic life, including removal of rigs, pipes and other equipment and capping off wells. In 2021 a tenth of oil and gas expenditure on the UK Continental Shelf went on decommissioning, with the proportion rising this year to 14 per cent this year and expected to reach 19 per cent by 2031. Picture: Coen de Jong

Boom: £20bn to go on closing down North Sea oil and gas fields in next 10 years

Asco's NORM Solutions arm has won multi-year agreements with four operators to provide safe management and decontamination of naturally occurring radioactive material. Picture: Simon Price
Asco's NORM Solutions arm has won multi-year agreements with four operators to provide safe management and decontamination of naturally occurring radioactive material. Picture: Simon Price

Asco offshoot secures North Sea-related contracts worth more than £10 million

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visits the Kype Muir wind farm in Strathaven. Picture: Robert Perry/Getty Images
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visits the Kype Muir wind farm in Strathaven. Picture: Robert Perry/Getty Images

Wind and solar farms to hand over excess profits under sharp windfall tax rise

Campaigners are warning that a predicted rise in the windfall tax on oil and gas giants could actually cost the country money and drive an increase in drilling in the North Sea unless a loophole that allows companies to claim tax relief on investments is abolished. Photo: Getty Images
Campaigners are warning that a predicted rise in the windfall tax on oil and gas giants could actually cost the country money and drive an increase in drilling in the North Sea unless a loophole that allows companies to claim tax relief on investments is abolished. Photo: Getty Images

Windfall tax rise could cost public purse and spark new drive for oil and gas

Nicola Sturgeon speaks to members of the media at the finish line of the Running Out Of Time climate relay. Picture: AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell
Nicola Sturgeon speaks to members of the media at the finish line of the Running Out Of Time climate relay. Picture: AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell

Sturgeon accused of dodging question from activist on Rosebank oil field

Ally Mitchell, Founder of Ocean Plastic Pots
Ally Mitchell, Founder of Ocean Plastic Pots

A potted solution to plastic pollution

In the 50 years since oil production first began in the UK, around 45 billion barrels have been extracted. But now, with the planet in peril from climate change – primarily driven by fossil fuel use – Emma Davie's film The Oil Machine explores what the future holds for the industry and society. Picture: Ewen Weatherspoon
In the 50 years since oil production first began in the UK, around 45 billion barrels have been extracted. But now, with the planet in peril from climate change – primarily driven by fossil fuel use – Emma Davie's film The Oil Machine explores what the future holds for the industry and society. Picture: Ewen Weatherspoon

Stormy waters: Scottish film zooms in on North Sea oil and gas ahead of COP27

SNP Energy Secretary Michael Matheson
SNP Energy Secretary Michael Matheson

Hydrogen could be bedrock of independent Scotland, says energy minister

The sustained high oil price has been providing a lift for the Aberdeen office market.
The sustained high oil price has been providing a lift for the Aberdeen office market.

Aberdeen office market on track to double up in 2022 despite summer slowdown

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Mr Bowie highlighted the importance of the North East bid to Scottish Secretary Alister Jack.
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Mr Bowie highlighted the importance of the North East bid to Scottish Secretary Alister Jack.

MPs hear North East freeport would spur North Sea revival

The UK Government is offering more licences to look for oil and gas in the North Sea (Picture: Andy Buchanan/WPA pool/Getty Images)
The UK Government is offering more licences to look for oil and gas in the North Sea (Picture: Andy Buchanan/WPA pool/Getty Images)

North Sea oil and gas licensing should not be battle of extremes – Brian Wilson

The UK exported nearly as much oil as it imported in 2021 (Picture: Reg Lancaster/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The UK exported nearly as much oil as it imported in 2021 (Picture: Reg Lancaster/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

UK needs to reduce production of fossil fuels, not increase it – Scotsman

Nearly 900 locations are being offered for exploration, with as many as 100 licences set to be awarded.
Nearly 900 locations are being offered for exploration, with as many as 100 licences set to be awarded.

Minister claims new oil and gas exploration in North Sea "good for environment”

Petrofac said the tie-up would see STEM Returners source people with skills across multiple engineering disciplines to join Petrofac’s teams in Aberdeen and Woking.
Petrofac said the tie-up would see STEM Returners source people with skills across multiple engineering disciplines to join Petrofac’s teams in Aberdeen and Woking.

Petrofac looks to boost Aberdeen team with STEM jobs partnership

The research outlines how the experience, resources, knowledge and skills shared by Denmark, Norway and the UK could be used to lead the North Sea’s clean energy transition.
The research outlines how the experience, resources, knowledge and skills shared by Denmark, Norway and the UK could be used to lead the North Sea’s clean energy transition.

Climate change goals at risk due to 'lack of clear net zero strategies' - report

Andy Clucas has joined Decom Engineering as general manager and will be based at the firm’s Aberdeen base with a focus on building relationships with UK Continental Shelf clients.
Andy Clucas has joined Decom Engineering as general manager and will be based at the firm’s Aberdeen base with a focus on building relationships with UK Continental Shelf clients.

Pipeline decommissioning firm 'to move up several gears' with key appointments

Petrofac said the contract builds on a relationship with Serica Energy which began in 2018.
Petrofac said the contract builds on a relationship with Serica Energy which began in 2018.

Petrofac secures North Sea contract extension from Serica Energy

The Scotsman Top Stories

Kemi Badenoch has said the UK joining a major Indo-Pacific trade bloc is “about the potential for growth tomorrow” as she downplayed estimates suggesting the deal would boost the economy by just 0.08%.
Kemi Badenoch has said the UK joining a major Indo-Pacific trade bloc is “about the potential for growth tomorrow” as she downplayed estimates suggesting the deal would boost the economy by just 0.08%.

Badenoch downplays claims UK-Asia trade pact will only boost economy by 0.08%

A heated council meeting ended in a row as an SNP councillor accused of telling opposition members to “shut up” said Labour could “address it with me outside”.
A heated council meeting ended in a row as an SNP councillor accused of telling opposition members to “shut up” said Labour could “address it with me outside”.

Glasgow council meeting ends in heated row with councillor

Lloyds Group and NatWest Group have said that the sites in England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man will close between July and November this year.
Lloyds Group and NatWest Group have said that the sites in England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man will close between July and November this year.

Full list of NatWest, Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland and RBS branches to shut