Ports across the north and north-east are poised to cash in on a multibillion-pound green energy project in the Moray Firth.
The construction of more than 180 turbines up to 650ft tall, which will form the second-largest windfarm in the UK, could be carried out by Highland workers.
Nigg Energy Park, which is owned by the Global Energy Group, is expected to play a major role in the £4.2billion scheme by Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd (Morl).
But smaller yards and ports across the north and north-east could also benefit.
First Minister Alex Salmond travelled to Nigg yesterday to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Morl and Global Energy Group (GEG) as the first contract in the project was agreed.
A meteorological mast will be fabricated at the Highland site.
Mr Salmond also announced £6.5million for the further development of the quayside at the energy park to create deep water access, enabling the yard to profit from the offshore renewables boom as well as oil and gas contracts.
The total development could lead to more than 2,700 jobs across Scotland – 2,400 in construction and 330 in operations and maintenance.
Mr Salmond said: “This is a massive project which is the first of its kind.
“The project is for just over 11,000MW which is one-sixth of Scottish power consumption in a day.
“Today’s memorandum of understanding will provide opportunities for dialogue between Morl and GEG, the supply chain and potential inward investors to discuss the skills requirements needed for this emerging project.”
He said it was the start of a process which would offer opportunities for many communities in the north and elsewhere in Scotland.
He added that the development of the south quay would allow Nigg to become an “internationally significant” deep water facility. He said: “This will help Global Energy to secure future growth opportunities and potentially create many more jobs.
“In Highland terms I see this announcement today as a further building block in the recreation of the beating industrial heart of the region.”
Morl project director, Dan Finch, said developing facilities and expertise in renewables in the area meant it could move on from domestic to international projects.
He said: “The memorandum we have signed today provides a clear framework which will allow Morl and GEG to be able to use the facilities at Nigg to both of our benefits.
“This is the start of a process which, if appropriate, will allow Morl to include Nigg Energy Park and GEG’s services as a preferred facility and subcontractor in our procurement activities.”
He said they would also work together to identify and develop a local supply chain and skills base and the money invested in the south quay would ensure the site was poised to capitalise on the offshore opportunity.
He said there were several parts to the project such as cabling, turbine fabrication and assembly and “all yards, ports and harbours” in the area with suitable facilities were being considered.
He added: “The benefit from this area is it is used to oil and gas. There are also other facilities like Fraserburgh, Buckie and Wick which may be suitable for smaller maintenance work.”
GEG chairman Roy MacGregor said: “The industry has been hanging about and waiting for a start and I feel this is the start and it is a great joy for me that it is starting here at Nigg.
“We’re open for business and I do think it is exciting, particularly for the Highlands.
“We are going to get a renaissance of industrial work and I believe going to be leading so much of what the renewables business is about.”