Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, this week met with Scotland Gas Networks (SGN) about the future of energy supplies in Oban, Campbeltown, Wick, and Thurso.
These towns are not connected to the main gas transmission network, but are supplied with gas through a system known as Scottish Independent Undertakings (SIUs).
Due to the planned closure, in 2018, of the Avonmouth Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility which produces the gas used in the mainland SIUs, Scotland Gas Networks is recommending an alternative source of LNG to ensure continuity and security of supply in time for the Avonmouth closure.
Commenting after the meeting, Jamie McGrigor MSP said:
“I was pleased to meet with representatives of SGN, and welcome their news that they are committed to securing energy supplies for my constituents who use gas in Oban, Campbeltown, Wick, and Thurso.
“I am optimistic about their plans to continue to provide gas for Oban, Campbeltown, Thurso, and Wick - towns which are not connected to the national mains gas network.
“In the wake of the closure of the Avonmouth plant, it is vital to have an alternative source of LNG supply in place by 2018”.