Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the development agency for the northern part of Scotland has welcomed the announcement by the Scottish Executive of improved training opportunities for unemployed welders from the areas oil yards.

The reduction of activity in the oil fabrication sector is a significant issue for the area - with the loss of such a large number of well paid jobs.

HIE along with its partners in the Oil Industry Response Team (OIRT) are doing all that can be done to lessen the impact of this decline. This work includes re-training and job placement initiatives.

In these circumstances, the announcement by Henry McLeish, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning that unemployed welders will be given enhanced access to training, under the Training for Work scheme is warmly welcomed.

HIE chief executive Iain Robertson said: "There is no 'quick-fix' solution to the difficulties facing the oil fabrication sector and through the OIRT, we are adopting a range of different approaches to try and find alternative employment for those affected.

"This extra assistance from the Scottish Executive will play an important part in this respect and acknowledges the unique circumstances facing the area."

HIE also welcomed today's announcement that assistance towards the installation of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) facilities would be available through the Scottish Executive's Rural Petrol Stations Scheme, which is delivered by the HIE network.

Head of transport at HIE, Roy Pederson said: "LPG is a more cost effective and environmentally friendly fuel than petrol or diesel. This will make motoring costs cheaper in rural areas, where car ownership is seen as a necessity. We can also reasonably expect some increase in tourist numbers in areas that offer LPG, as many camper-vans and vehicles from the continent who already use it will be more inclined to travel north."