First Minister Alex Salmond has officially opened a new pier that will help Orkney cater for the growing marine renewable energy sector.
The 328ft pier at Copland’s Dock in Stromness was yesterday described as the “final piece in the jigsaw” for a project designed to support wave and tidal energy industries.
Mr Salmond said he heartened to see Orkney and other coastal communities playing a leading role in the “green industrial revolution” as the wave and tidal sectors move towards industrial-scale manufacturing and deployment over the next decade.
“I’m pleased to be able to open the development at Copland’s Dock, which I have no doubt will bring huge benefits and contribute greatly to the future prosperity of Orkney, Stromness and the town’s harbour for years to come,” he said.
The pier and access road was built with £6.25million funding from Orkney Islands Council, £2.5million from the Scottish Government and £1.8million from the European Regional Development Fund.
James Stockan, chairman of the island council’s development and infrastructure committee, said: “The opening of the pier and marine renewables base at Copland’s Dock is the final piece in the jigsaw for an ambitious project to support the wave and tidal energy industries marking the end of a £23million investment programme.”