A new pier at Copland’s Dock in Stromness, ensuring that Orkney continues to play a central role in the growing marine renewables sector, has been officially opened by First Minister Alex Salmond.
Following an increase in marine traffic at Stromness, Orkney Islands Council took the decision to increase the harbour’s capacity.
With £2.5 million Scottish Government funding, supporting £6.25 million from Orkney Islands Council and £1.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund, a new 100 metre pier at Copland’s Dock and access road was developed to give greater marine energy access to the harbour and a local industrial estate.
The First Minister said: “ Offshore renewables represent a huge opportunity for Scotland to reap both economic and environmental benefits. Scottish waters offer the majority of the UK’s wave resources and Orkney is at the very centre of the emerging marine renewables sector.”
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Press Release, June 17, 2014