Sandy Cumming, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, has welcomed today's announcement from the Environment and Rural Development Minister, Ross Finnie, that the Scottish Executive is to invest £2 million in a new marine energy centre in Orkney.

"The creation of the European Marine Energy Centre is a major step towards harnessing some of the colossal renewable energy sources which exist in the waters around our coasts," said Mr Cumming.

"This is a £5.65 million project of true international significance which could put Scotland at the forefront of research and commercialisation of wave and tidal power.

"The establishment of such a centre could also bring a significant employment boost, helping to create jobs not just in research, but in design, manufacturing and maintenance of marine energy devices.

"Today's announcement from the Minister means that all the necessary funding is in place to make this ambitious project a reality."