The Port of Nigg strengthens connections with the Ross-shire community
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Buzzwords such as ‘sustainability’, ‘green energy’ and ‘net zero’ are frequently used in today’s energy narrative. For those in the industry, these are tangible, real-world terms.
However, for the majority of the population, there is a chasm between the progress that is being made in the renewable energy sector and their daily lives. In order to bring people closer to the reality of what a future-proofed Scotland looks like – and to inspire the next generation – the Port of Nigg has opened its doors to the community for the very first time.
As one of Scotland’s most important energy industry facilities, Global Energy Group took over operations in 2011 – but until now, it has never been opened to the public. Last month, over 1,000 members of the Highland community had a chance to see inside the port to explore its past, present and future.
Hundreds of attendees browsed an exhibition on the port and boarded free bus tours, learning about the port’s deep-rooted history within the energy sector, as well as its reputation as a leading hub for renewables and its commitment to transitioning to net zero by 2045.
For many, the open day provided the opportunity to stroll down memory lane – reuniting them with a workplace they hadn’t frequented since the early 1990s, or the site of a memorable primary school field trip over 30 years ago.
One attendee commented that, as a professional crane operator, the open day provided a welcome opportunity to show his son what he does in his day-to-day work. For others, there was a chance to learn more about the port they can see from the windows of their homes – with many shocked at the impressive size of the yard.
It wasn’t just locals paying a visit to Nigg, however – with 43 per cent of respondents to a post-event survey saying they had never been to the village before. Visitors travelled from as far as Aberdeen, East Lothian and even London to catch a glimpse of Scotland’s energy future – and to experience a taste of the Highlands.
Roy MacGregor, chairman of Global Energy Group, said: “We were thrilled to see so many people interested in the Port of Nigg and what we do – and keen to learn about all the incredible developments that are coming in the future of energy production.
“While Nigg was once known as a hub for oil and gas, it is increasingly associated with renewables – especially with the appointment of the Green Freeport. It’s important to us that the community understands what we do, and are with us on our journey into the future of energy production.”
During the day, visitors learned about the port’s history in oil and gas – and how it has become a leading force in wind, hydro and subsea energy production. The port, said one attendee, is “a true jewel in the crown of Scotland.”
For Global Energy, a motivation for the open day was to give young people a glimpse into what a career in the upcoming Green Freeport would be like and the many opportunities that are available. With 350 kids coming along to the family fun day, there were certainly a lot of eyes opened to the long-lasting careers the port provides.
Guests at the open day got a rare chance to see FPSO Excalibur – brought in for servicing for the first time in 14 years – and innovative subsea turbines used in the Pentland Firth.
Younger visitors (and young-at-heart older visitors) were also kept entertained throughout the day by an escape-room-in-a-box challenge, clowns and balloon modellers, face painters, bouncy castles and a bucking bronco, and a Port of Nigg themed scavenger hunt. All catering, provided by local suppliers, was provided by Global Energy Group for the community.
Roy added: “The comments and feedback from the event so far have been very positive. It has been fantastic to share our port with so many people, and get together to celebrate our community.”
As the largest port facility in the Moray Firth, the Port of Nigg combines some of the largest construction and assembly shops in Europe and it benefits from an unrivalled dry dock and over 1,200 metres of deepwater quayside.
And, as the largest private employer in the Highlands, Global Energy Group is a major contributor to the local economy, as well as supporting local community and charitable causes.
Attendee Richard Cherry, who has lived in Fortrose for around 20 years, said: “I was aware of the development of Nigg in the early days of North Sea oil, and we’ve used the ferry many times, but I hadn’t realised the port had gone through a period of almost being abandoned before Global Energy Group took it over.
“Roy MacGregor had the vision to see it had a new future in wind energy and renewables. A strong vision for the future came through all day – it was great to see us making things for ourselves rather than importing over vast distances.
“The sheer scale of the port and being able to see these enormous structures up close, was also very impressive.
“The generosity of Global Energy Group in providing the catering, and ensuring there was fun for all the family, was brilliant. Global Energy Group provides a lot of support to the community, and long may it continue.”
And with 99 per cent of visitors hoping for another event in the future, this relationship between the port and community looks set to go from strength to strength over time.
