DOUGLAS Ross has vowed to protect the oil and gas industry on a visit to Asco in Peterhead.
The Scottish Conservative leader visited the energy logistics firm to hear about its plans for future growth and to discuss local issues relating to the sector.
During his discussions with Asco chief executive Mike Pettigrew and representatives from OEUK, Mr Ross underlined his support for further North Sea oil and gas exploration.
Mr Ross, who is standing for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East at the general election, also reiterated his commitment for the dualling of the A90 between Peterhead and Ellon which would help Asco with transporting and delivering equipment, supplies and bulk fluid.
On his visit, he also spoke about the progress of the Acorn carbon capture and storage project at nearby St Fergus which was selected in Track 2 of the UK Government’s sequencing process last year.
The UK Government has already invested more than £40 million to the Scottish Cluster and pledged an additional £20 billion to fund CCUS across the UK over the next 20 years.
Scottish Conservative candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, Douglas Ross, said: “My visit to Asco in Peterhead gave me a fantastic insight into the work the business does for the oil and gas, decommissioning and new energy sectors.
“Asco employs around 1,500 people, 900 of which work in the North East and I reiterated my commitment in standing up for workers like these by championing the oil and gas industry.
“It was great to speak about the wide range of benefits that carbon capture and storage can bring to the region through the Acorn project at St Fergus.
“I also underlined my determination to see the A90 between Peterhead and Ellon dualled which will benefit businesses like Asco.
“The SNP’s refusal to fulfil Alex Salmond’s promise in 2007 to dual the road is an absolute betrayal to the communities who rely on this dangerous route on a daily basis.
“While the SNP want to turn off the taps in the North Sea, I am the only candidate in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East standing up for oil and gas workers and communities across the North East.
“If voters in the North East unite with me on Thursday then they can beat the SNP and ensure they have an MP who will prioritise the issues that matter most to people.”
