CEILIDH coming to Aberdeen in January

THE NEW musical CEILIDH will premiere at Pitlochry Town Hall in October and will come to the Music Hall from 19-23 January next year.

This is part of the first Pitlochry Festival Theatre season directed by its still new Artistic Director, Alan Cumming, in the theatre’s 75th year.

The production will invite audiences to take their partners and step into one of the country’s oldest and best loved traditions. It is a gathering of songs, stories and dances. Led by a lively caller the audience will be swept up in a whirlwind of music and memories.

As the music builds a story of family unfolds. Why tonight’s ceilidh matters is key and the heart-pounding night is created by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie and directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton. There is space for audience members dancing or watching from the balcony. The band is already playing – find a hand to hold.

The cast includes Kirsty Findlay who appeared at Pitlochry earlier in the year in The Sound of Music and Beautiful: The Carole King Music.

Other cast members will include: Scott Gilmour as Ramsay, Kyle Gardiner as Alternate Ramsay, David Rankine as Leo, George Drennan as Older Leo, Annie Grace as Older Euna/Lady Buchanan/Moira, Star Penders as Granny Maclavaney/Maria, Rori Hawthorn as Rowan, Jerome Lincoln as Lucas, Laura Lovemore as Yvonne, Charlie West as Fiddles/Duncan the Stout/Darren, Harry Ward as Dave/Lord Buchanan, Leo Shak as Ensemble, Elinor Peregrin as Ensemble, Helen Logan as Ensemble and Robin MacKenzie as Piper/Ensemble.

CEILIDH was commissioned by Tony-award winning producers Barbara Whitman and 
Beth Williams, who remain the show’s lead producers. The new musical was developed entirely in Scotland using Scottish artists and musicians, before taking the show to trial in the US last year. While the show is an original script and score, the musical will feature traditional Scottish reels as part of the dances. 

Tony-Award winning director Sam Pinkleton said:  “There is absolutely nothing like CEILIDH. Creating this extraordinary musical has been a riot to bring to life. I’m overjoyed to continue living inside the rambunctious, life-affirming, and totally original theatrical world Scott and Claire have created and let this joyful celebration loose on audiences at Pitlochry Town Hall and across the UK.”

Claire McKenzie and Scott Gilmour said: “At its heart, a ceilidh is pretty straightforward: gather some folk and leave the world outside behind by having a dance.The happy chaos that comes from this is what’s kept ceilidh dancing as one of Scotland’s proudest and most celebrated traditions. We wanted to capture that feeling – gathering people to celebrate the simple act of being together – and see if it could form the basis for a story. 

“We began writing CEILIDH in 2020 – a time when the idea of holding hands with strangers seemed something we might never get to do again. Even still, we worked with our director, Sam Pinkleton, to imagine an experience that allowed audiences to join a proper ceilidh, while also being led through the life of family. A story about memory, love, and duty. How we pass on our traditions, and how they shape us and the people we love. 

“CEILIDH had its first workshop performance in Glasgow in 2024, at the wonderful and much-loved Cottiers. From there, we continued developing the show and, last year, had our first test with a US audience in Baltimore at the M&T Bank Exchange. Turns out Americans can reel too! 

“And now we’re here! Getting to bring CEILIDH back to where it started and share the show as part of Alan Cumming’s incredible inaugural season at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. We invite Pitlochry audiences to join us for some songs, some stories, some dances (maybe even a dram… or two… or three) and we’ll see you on the floor!”

CEILIDH runs at Pitlochry Town Hall from 7-17 October and is a Pitlochry Festival Theatre production by special arrangement with Grove Entertainment, Barbara Whitman and Trafalgar Theatre Productions. After its run at Pitlochry Town Hall the production will tour the UK including further dates in Scotland

For tickets and further information visit pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com or call the box office teamon 01796 484626. 

UK first – GP and mental health training centre opens in Aberdeen

THE UK’S first GP and mental health training centre opens today (SEP 16) at the University of Aberdeen.

The centre in the University’s health sciences building will see medical students work with real patients with the supervision of experts.

Patients will attend the centre after being invited by their GP or the mental health team and will be assessed with an appointment on the same day.

Final year medical students will work in the centre alongside four full-time GP roles, a consultant psychiatrist and support staff. It is hoped the creation of the centre will allow thousands more appointments in Aberdeen, while giving students practical placements.

The new centre is hoped to ease the pressure on Aberdeen’s other GP and mental health services. ©University of Aberdeen

The initiative is being led by the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian. Executive medical director Hugh Farrow Bishop said: “The general practice and mental health training centre provides a unique opportunity for patients to contribute directly to the education of future doctors of all types – for whom general practice and psychiatry experience are vital parts of their developing skills.

“This centre will allow them to do this through supervise clinical consultations. Patients will be invited to attend through established GP and mental health pathways, with participating practices and clinical teams identifying individuals who may wish to take part.”

He added: “Participation is entirely voluntary. Students will assess the patient and present their findings to the supervising clinician, who will review the patient as required, authorise the clinical assessment and management plan, and retain responsibility for all clinical decisions.

“Consultations will be recorded using NHS Grampian clinical systems, with relevant information and any required follow up communicated to the patient’s registered practice or responsible clinical team.”

The centre will look and function like a modern GP practice and will prioritise health problems that need attention within 1-2 days.

Aberdeen University’s head of the school of medicine, medical sciences and nutrition Professor David Blackburn believes the initiative will hugely benefit students. He said: “The opening of this UK-first GP and mental health teaching centre marks a major milestone for medial education in Aberdeen and across the country.

“As student numbers continue to rise nationally, universities must find new and innovative ways to ensure every future doctor receives the high quality, supervised clinical experience required under GMC standards. This centre allows us to do exactly that.”

He aded: “Working alongside existing GP and mental health services, the teaching centre will provide students with valuable supervised clinical experience while creating additional opportunities for patient engagement in education. It complements the wide range of placements that students undertake across Scotland, ensuring they continue to learn in diverse real world healthcare settings while supporting local services and workforce development.

“By creating a dedicated, fully equipped teaching environment that mirrors a modern GP practice, we can provide thousands of additional patient appointments each year while giving students meaningful, face-to-face experience with real patients. It is an approach that strengthens learning, supports GP practices and psychiatry services, and ensures our graduates are confident, capable and ready for the realities of clinical practice.”

The centre will be funded by the NHS Scotland Medical Additional Cost of Teaching funding.

Professor Blackburn concluded: “Working in close partnership with NHS Grampian, we are helping to build the GP and psychiatry workforce Scotland needs, while setting a new national benchmark for how universities and health systems can collaborate to deliver outstanding clinical training.

“The University of Aberdeen has a long and proud history of innovation in medical education, and we are delighted to continue that tradition with a model that is the first of its kind in the UK.”

Free bags of salt on offer to everyone in Aberdeen before winter sets in

PEOPLE living in Aberdeen can apply for a free one-tonne salt bag to help tackle icy roads and pavements in their neighbourhood this winter.

Applications opened on Monday 14 September and will close on Sunday 25 October, with residents urged to apply early as deliveries will be carried out alongside the council’s winter gritting operations.

The salt can be used on public areas including roads and pavements, but not private garden paths, and applicants must have a secure and accessible place to store the bag.

Any residents or groups which would like a one-tonne bag should apply via Gritting before 25 October. The community saltbags are delivered free of charge and are removed at the end of winter.

Aberdeen City Council said the scheme would help communities respond to icy conditions alongside its own gritting operations.

Community salt bag provided by Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeen residents can apply for free one-tonne salt bags to help tackle icy roads and pavements this winter.

Mark Reilly, chief operating officer at Aberdeen City Council, said staff could not cover every road and pavement during periods of severe weather.

He said: “Unfortunately though, Council staff can’t be everywhere all the time. There are 620 miles of roads in Aberdeen, slightly more than the distance from the city to Paris, and 1,242 miles of pavements, the distance from here to Rome.”

He said community salt bags and grit bins would help residents tackle icy conditions in their local areas.

The council will also provide large community salt bins at locations across the city, including Bridge of Don, Garthdee, Torry, Union Row, Northfield, Kingswells, Dyce and Tillydrone.

A total of 50 yellow grit bins will also be trialled with larger-capacity containers this winter.

The new bins can be lifted by a lorry-mounted crane or telehandler when empty, allowing them to be replaced with full bins rather than manually refilled.

Community salt bags will be delivered free of charge and removed at the end of winter.

This article is provided by Deadline News Limited and is subject to copyright.

University of Aberdeen offer key sponsorship to SPECTRA

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SPECTRA, Scotland’s Festival of Light, is delighted to announce the University of Aberdeen as key sponsor when it returns to Aberdeen in 2022.

From the Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 February, SPECTRA will once again light up the winter nights in Aberdeen encouraging audiences to get out and experience the city looking its best using light sculptures, architectural projections, neon and film to create new ways of exploring the city. 

The event which is inspired by Scotland’s Year of Stories will feature leading names from the UK and around the world creating a stunning lightscape across the city centre, including Marischal College, Upperkirkgate, Schoolhill, Marischal Square, and Aberdeen Art Gallery as locations for breath-taking installations.

Like Spectra, the University of Aberdeen is committed to supporting the year-round programme of cultural events taking place in Aberdeen, and Spectra is the perfect event suitable for friends and family alike, making the North East of Scotland the ideal destination for locals, visitors and staycationers in 2022.

Marischal College ‘Rainbow Laser Flares’ by Seb Lee-Delisle .

Professor Pete Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement and Regional Recovery, said: “The University was established almost 527 years ago with the founding principle of being ‘open to all’. Much has changed through those centuries – and been accelerated in the last two years through the pandemic – but our commitment to deliver positive change locally and regionally has not. 

“Spectra is a celebration of creativity which also prides itself on bringing people together. We are delighted to be working with regional partners to deliver the 2022 festival and look forward to playing an important part in the cultural life of the North-east.”

Cllr Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council Culture Spokesperson said: “Aberdeen City Council are delighted that the University of Aberdeen have pledged to support Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light. Their sponsorship of this year’s festival shows that there is a bright future for events in Aberdeen, through strong partnerships and exciting productions. All of us across the city are looking forward to Spectra next month and seeing audiences return to a safe and vibrant city centre.”

Spectra is commissioned by Aberdeen City Council who have committed £250,000 for delivery of the festival in 2022. 

The Spectra website will share more information on the installations and how to enjoy them, whether travelling into the city centre with family or travelling from Dundee, Perth or Edinburgh with friends www.spectrafestival.com

‘Dolphin Watch’ Kate Charter at Aberdeen Art Gallery

Aberdeen Art Gallery wins architecture prize

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The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced that Aberdeen Art Gallery – designed by Hoskins Architects – is the winner of the 2021 Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.

Aberdeen Art Gallery underwent a landmark redevelopment project between 2015 and 2019, supported by Aberdeen City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This is the latest accolade for Aberdeen Art Gallery which was a joint winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020 and a recipient of a 2021 National Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Using a strategy of careful repair and confident addition, Hoskins Architects have refurbished and extended a fine existing building. The result is a civic space fit for today’s visitors – one is which is now more welcoming, more sustainable, and more accessible. The redevelopment demonstrates how contemporary architecture, historic building conservation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

The special character and grandeur of the 19th century category A listed building has been preserved, and a dramatic copper-clad roof is among a series of striking contemporary interventions that have revitalised the gallery and its relationship with the city.

The architects have subtly and sensitively restored original features of the 19th century building and improved fabric performance, alongside confident alteration and the bold addition of new elements that enhance the visitor experience, knitting together a thread of careful conservation and the requirements of a world class, 21st century gallery. They created new exhibition and education spaces, thoroughly upgraded the building’s services and environmental performance, and improved the gallery’s art handling, storage, back of house and study facilities.

The annual Doolan Award is assessed by an expert jury who look at each project’s architectural integrity, usability and context, delivery and execution, and sustainability. All types of building are eligible for the award, which is named in memory of its founder and patron, the architect/developer Andy Doolan, who died in 2004.

The architects of the winning building receive a £10,000 cash prize, making the Doolan Award one of the most significant architecture awards in the world. The award would not exist without Andy Doolan’s extraordinary generosity and vision, and his family have kindly continued their support. The Scottish Government also generously supports the award.

Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson said: “On behalf of the citizens of Aberdeen I’m incredibly proud that Aberdeen Art Gallery has been named as Scotland’s building of the year. The redevelopment project has completely re-imagined and revitalised one of the city’s most important buildings. It has created a welcoming, accessible, safe and inspiring space for all of us to enjoy, whether we live in Aberdeen or we’re visiting the city. I hope that news of this important award will encourage people who may not have visited for some time to re-discover the Art Gallery, or to visit it for the first time and experience for themselves this spectacular building and the outstanding collection it’s home to.”

Caroline Clark, National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “It’s wonderful news that the transformation of Aberdeen Art Gallery, which was supported by National Lottery players, has won this highly prestigious architectural award. It is a well-deserved endorsement of this ambitious project which reimagined and reinvented the Gallery’s historic buildings to revitalise this major cultural attraction.”

Speaking on behalf of the Doolan family, Andrew Doolan’s nephew Ross Findlay said: “Before her passing in 2020, Andrew’s mother Margaret Doolan held her son’s legacy and achievements in high esteem. She took great pleasure in continuing his vision and support of the RIAS. As such, our family is proud to help to promote Scottish architecture at home and abroad and celebrate the creativity, innovation and ingenuity this breeds – exactly the vision that Andrew had when he set out his plans for this award over 20 years ago.

“This year presented a very competitive list of finalists so we are happy to congratulate Hoskins Architects and the Aberdeen Art Gallery on their deserving win.

“Having sponsored this event since 2004, we have seen the award go to many different buildings designed for different purposes and it is great to celebrate a civic building being given a new lease of life that will serve the public for future generations – a very fitting project for the intended ethos of the award.”

First Minister addresses AAM annual conference

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The First Minister today contrasted the Scottish Government’s “Welcome in Scotland” approach with the approach being taken by the UK government.

Nicola Sturgeon set out her determination to keep Scotland in the Single Market even if the rest of the UK leaves, following the Brexit vote.

The First Minister addressed 200 investors at Aberdeen Asset Management’s annual investment conference in London on the themes of growth, empowerment, and the importance of investing in an inclusive economy.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“Scotland voted very strongly to remain in the European Union – by 62% to 38%. Every local authority area in Scotland voted to retain EU membership.

“It is my job, and the job of the whole Scottish Government, to protect our vital national interests. We are currently exploring all options that will enable us to do that.

“More than anything else our long-term economic success will depend on nurturing the talent of those already in Scotland and of those who believe ours is the kind of welcoming country that allows ambition to flourish.

“That’s why I am so personally committed to reducing the attainment gap in Scotland’s schools. Education and skills will always be at the heart of how individuals’ fulfil their potential.

“We also believe freedom of movement helps to enhance and enrich our country. It creates opportunity for those born here and for those who move here.

“The position of the UK Government and some others is very different. From the refusal to guarantee the status of fellow EU nationals living in Scotland and the UK, to the threat to draw up lists of foreign workers, the UK Government seems intent on sending out a “not welcome here” message.

“I am determined that we send out a different message: one that says to all those living, working and studying in Scotland that they are most definitely welcome.

“We want to trade as freely as possible with our EU partners; to continue to welcome people from across the EU and around the world; to maintain ties which have enhanced our prosperity and enriched our society.

“And we want to ensure that Scotland remains an open, internationalist country. Our relationship with Europe has become part of Scotland’s sense of itself. So we will argue for an approach to Brexit which retains as much of that relationship as possible.”

You can read the whole speech here. 

The future of mountain weather forecasts in doubt

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Guarantees over the future of Scotland’s mountain weather forecasts were sought in the Scottish Parliament today (13 Sept) by Green MSP, Andy Wightman.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting that SportScotland is to end funding of the Mountain Weather Information Service.

In spite of repeatedly asking the Minister for Public Health and Sport if SportScotland had told the Mountain Weather Information Service at a meeting on July 2016 that its funding would end, Ms Campbell was unable to provide an answer.

Andy Wightman MSP, the Scottish Greens’ Housing & Land reform spokesperson, said:

“I’m glad that the Minister shares my view that the forecast service is an essential service for climber and walker safety in Scotland and that conversations with the government and its agencies are ongoing. However, the public will be looking for more transparency over what the current funding set up is and how that has been communicated to the MWIS. I’ll continue to seek updates from the minister to guarantee the long-term future of mountain weather-forecasting.

“This is a service that has provided trusted detailed forecasting for mountain users for 13 years and SportScotland has funded it since 2007. It’s a service that is trusted and relied upon by hundreds of thousands of users of Scotland’s mountains every year and safety and enjoyment of those who use our mountains is dependent upon accurate reliable, and above all trusted sources of weather forecasts.”

Could tonight’s Lotto winner come from Aberdeen?

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As the whole of the UK awaits a winner of monumental proportions this evening, you have to wonder if lightning will strike twice in the Granite City.

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Although the National Lottery website has crumbled under the weight of traffic, they have been tweeting like mad to encourage more people to enter.

Camelot UK Lotteries Limited, operator of The National Lottery, is announced in December that the £276,669.50 prize from the EuroMillions draw on 20 November 2015 – which had previously remained outstanding in Aberdeen – had been claimed.

Earlier last year an Aberdeenshire winner was announced. One lucky person scooped the £121,729.20 prize from the EuroMillions draw on 17 July, 2015 – which had previously remained outstanding.

Unless the winner of a major National Lottery prize opts to take full publicity and signs an agreement to that effect, no further information can be released about their win.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: “We’re delighted that the winner of this amazing prize has now come forward and we hope that they will enjoy their win. It would have been awful if the ticket-holder had missed out on this substantial and life-changing amount of money. We would like to remind all National Lottery players to check their tickets every time they play.”

Ardoe House has been done up

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Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, a country retreat set in 30 acres of peaceful Aberdeenshire countryside, has been beautifully transformed into a Mercure flagship property following an extensive refurbishment of its bedrooms to accompany the grand public areas and spa facilities.

Built in 1887 in the Scottish Baronial style and fashioned on Balmoral Castle, just 50 miles away, Ardoe House Hotel’s bedrooms have been lovingly redesigned, bringing Aberdeenshire’s past and present to life. A locally inspired brand, Mercure worked with interior designer Frances Blackham at Trevellion Interiors. The refurbishment has seen new furnishings, textures and patterns incorporated into the property, capturing the cosmopolitan feel of Aberdeen, just five miles away.

All of the refurbished classic doubles and privilege rooms offer modern luxuries and a home-from-home experience, along with a dash of Scottish charm. Emblematic of the Highlands but with a modern twist, a plaid fabric in a shade of terracotta now adorns the bedroom chairs, while a montage of black and white architectural photography features on the headboards, showcasing 100 years of Ardoe House history.

The bedroom walls include a new array of monochromatic images, featuring the property itself. Graceful, neutral, stone coloured tones flow throughout the rooms and coordinate with beautiful walnut furniture. Each bedroom is equipped with a TV with international satellite channels, 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi access, which is available throughout the hotel.

During their stay guests will experience the juxtaposition of both new and old styles. The property’s original features were completed by local craftsmanship and include striking stonework and beautifully crafted wood paneling, elaborate plinths, stained glass windows and paneled doors with intricate metalwork. In reception sits an exquisite mosaic floor and extraordinary latticed ceiling. All compliment the modern design additions that have been made to the bedrooms.

Visitors have the option to dine at sophisticated Blairs Restaurant or informal Soapie’s Lounge Bar. With its farm to fork ethos, Blairs Restaurant offers an array of innovative culinary creations, pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine with innovate and exciting dishes. Guests can sample the signature dish of seared scallops from Isle of Skye, served with chamomile jelly, locally grown celeriac and grated coffee beans. There are also two classic cocktails with an Ardoe twist – a Smokey Papa Don cocktail with tequila, marmalade/chili syrup, lemon and grapefruit juice, and Lagavulin, along with the Grey Flannel cocktail containing Hendricks gin, mandarin marmalade, Earl Grey tea and lemongrass.

 

Alongside is Soapie’s Lounge Bar that serves homely dishes, inspired by locally sourced ingredients. The lounge is the ideal place to enjoy an informal lunch or dinner in front of an open fire. Guests can also enjoy a tipple in the Drawing Room or Laird’s Bar, with its impressive selection of malt whiskies.

 

Guests will be encouraged to pick from the ‘Flavours of the Cellar’ wine list, which includes three handpicked wines available across the Mercure Hotels in the UK, carefully selected by the BBC Saturday Kitchen Masters of Wine, Susie Barrie and Peter Richards.

 

Jonathan Sheard, SVP Operations Luxury, Upscale & Midscale Hotels, Accor UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted with the new look and feel of the bedrooms at Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa and how they really lift the hotel and create a full beautiful experience in this unique building for all our guests. True to the Mercure, the design reflects the brand’s commitment to strong local connections and we hope that people visit to see everything that Aberdeen and the region has to offer.”

Peter Sangster, General Manager of the Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel and Spa said: “I’m thrilled to welcome both new and returning guests to the stunningly refurbished, historic property. The new look captures the spirit of Aberdeen, while offering unbeatable style and comfort.”

  • 120 bedrooms including classic doubles, privilege rooms and feature double rooms
  • Prices start from £94 per room, per night
  • Two restaurants – Blairs Restaurant and Soapie’s Lounge Bar
  • Two bars – Drawing Room and Laird’s Bar
  • Leisure facilities – spa, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and fitness suite
  • Nine function rooms ideal for gala dinners, weddings and conferences for up to 450 people
  • Five miles from the city of Aberdeen and seven miles from Aberdeen airport

 

www.mercure.com

 

Energy Taskforce coming to Aberdeen this week

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The Taskforce established by the First Minister to support jobs in the energy sector will meet for the first time in Aberdeen next Wednesday.

The new Energy Jobs Taskforce, chaired by Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Lena Wilson, will report to the Scottish Energy Advisory Board and will focus on jobs across the entire industry, but with an initial emphasis on the oil and gas sector.

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Lena Wilson, chair of the Energy Taskforce, said:

“We’ve made quick progress in forming this Taskforce which represents a strong and united public and private sector partnership that is committed to working together to support this vital industry throughout these challenging times. While current circumstances are difficult, we also need to remember that this is a resilient industry – one which has weathered the storm before and will do so again.

“We have an urgent and immediate task at hand to retain the jobs, skills and talent which is the bedrock of Scotland’s internationally competitive energy sector. The depth of knowledge and expertise this newly formed Taskforce offers will undoubtedly make an invaluable contribution to that task and help shape support to meet the current and future need for our energy sector.”

Ahead of the group’s first meeting, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said:

“I am acutely aware from the numerous meetings and discussions I have had with a range of companies, industry figures and unions, that the sector is currently facing extremely challenging times.

“This Taskforce, chaired by Lena Wilson, is an important step to ensure that energy jobs are sustained and supported through this difficult period, and is yet another demonstration from the Scottish Government that the industry has our full support.

“Since oil was discovered more than four decades ago, we have built a world class industrial cluster in the north sea and now export the skills and services required to support it around the world.

“There is a real risk that the current fall in the oil price will lead to the premature decommissioning of assets and the loss of highly skilled workers. Within this context, I think it is vital that the UK Government acts now.

“The North Sea has made an enormous contribution to the Scottish and UK economies over the last 40 years. It is now vital, in order to prolong the life of the industry beyond 2050 and maximise economic benefits, that the UK Government maintains the momentum for fiscal and regulatory change in the oil and gas sector.

“Chief among the action required is an immediate reversal of the 2011 hike in the Supplementary Charge and I made it clear that it is not sufficient for this change to wait until the March budget as Alistair Carmichael suggested last week.

“Last year, the UK Government announced a 2 per cent reduction of the Supplementary Charge rate – this reduction doesn’t go far enough. In boardrooms worldwide, oil companies are now making decisions which will impact on jobs in Scotland. Investors need a strong signal that the North Sea is open for business and that the UK Government understand the needs of the industry – and they need that signal now.”