Stevenson Welcomes Aberdeen University North Sea Report

"MORE THAN HALF OF OIL & GAS REVENUES STILL TO COME"
Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has today welcomed the publication of a report from Aberdeen University confirming the “substantial remaining potential” from Scotland’s offshore resources.

The report Prospects for Activity in the UK Continental Shelf after Recent Tax Changes:  the 2012 Perspective – authored by Professor Alex Kemp and Linda Stephen – makes a number of recommendations to maximise the long-term benefit of Scotland’s oil resources, and highlights the substantial investment currently underway.

Scottish Government estimates are that remaining North Sea reserves represent an estimated £1.5 trillion of wholesale value - far higher than the value extracted to date.

Commenting on the new report, Mr Stevenson said:

“This welcome report is the latest in a series of analyses which underline the strength of Scotland’s offshore oil and gas industry for many decades to come.

“Just last week, oil firm TAQA announced the purchase of $1billion worth of assets from BP – underlining their confidence in the North Sea’s future – which itself came on the back of a Scottish Enterprise report anticipating that 86 new North Sea oil and gas fields will begin development by 2016, with investment of £44 billion.

“The £1.5 trillion value of North Sea resources still remaining is much higher than the value already extracted.

“Instead of being squandered as they have been by successive Westminster Governments - Tory and Labour - we need the powers of an independent Scotland to ensure that oil and gas resources work for the benefit of the people of Scotland.

"Westminster governments and anti-independence parties have been saying that the oil and gas is running out since the early years of production in the 1970s - and the reality now is that more than half of the revenues are still to come."

For details of Scottish Enterprise report see
http://www.heraldscotland.com/business

Rosehearty Winners in Holyrood Award Visit

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson has congratulated two local winners of the SCARF School Calendar Competition at an event in the Scottish Parliament.

Winners, Ryan Nicol, P7, and Hannah Sim, P6, from Rosehearty Primary School, will have their artwork featured in the calendar as a design for one month – as March and December.  All entries were required to promote energy efficiency or demonstrate climate change awareness.

SCARF (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel) is a charity based in North East Scotland, aiming to reduce fuel poverty. They provide free and impartial advice on how to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs, encourage investment in renewable energy measures, and create sustainable employment opportunities. The calendar was created in partnership with National Grid.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“I congratulate Ryan and Hannah on their impressive artwork. I am impressed they could so creatively capture such an important message and I’m glad the message can now be viewed in the calendar, year round.

“Thank you to SCARF and the artists for advocating for energy efficiency. Everyone should be aware of the issues and do what they can to achieve sustainable energy and affordable warmth.”

MSP Ures Local Residents to be "Good Winter Neighbours"

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson is urging people across the North-east to respond to the current cold weather by looking out for vulnerable people in their communities.

Commenting, Scottish National Party MSP Mr Stevenson said:

"As we head into winter, and with conditions forecast to remain very cold for some time to come, it seems likely that local councils and our emergency services will be kept fully occupied keeping major routes open and attend to the most pressing emergencies.

"If you are able to, it would be an ideal time to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, make sure they have heat and that their pre-payment meters are topped up.  If you are in an area where the footpaths are still affected by snow and ice, you may be able to help clear paths. 

"It is also very important to recognise the hard work being put in by local council workers, who will be doing their best to keep the North-east moving during the winter”.