Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 15 June 2000 For Use: Immediately

A meeting of the Atlantic Frontier Environment Forum heard yesterday that it will be at least five years before there is any likelihood of well development to the North West of the Hebrides.

Delegates at yesterday’s meeting of the Forum, held in the Council Chambers of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, heard from representatives of Enterprise Oil, Marathon, Mobil and BP Amoco on recent activities at the Atlantic Frontier. Most test drilling has been completed well in advance of schedules but it is likely that the development of wells is at least five years away.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Donald Nicholson, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Chairman of Environmental Services, said:

"Today’s meeting was an important step in cementing relationships with the oil companies who are at the forefront of the Atlantic Frontier and the Western Isles will be better placed as a result if and when drilling begins in earnest. One of the key messages from today was that it is essential for us to protect our economy and our unique environment. The two are not mutually exclusive and meetings like today’s are important in helping us achieve the necessary balance of maximising the economic development opportunities whilst having the best environmental safeguards."

Other topics covered at yesterday’s meeting included oil spill protection and clean up measures in place in the Western Isles.

The Atlantic Frontier Environmental Forum (AFEF) was established in 1996 to provide a link between oil companies operating to the west of the British Isles and organisations concerned with environmental issues.

Note: AFEF includes representatives of the oil companies, the three Islands Councils and Highland Council, the fishing and fish farming industries, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Environmental groups such as the RSPB and Scottish Environment Link and bodies such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Scottish Executive Marine Laboratory, the Marine Coastguard Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry are also represented.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer