Convener Cluness still hopeful after SIC deal with Total is delayed again

A possible deal between oil company Total and Shetland Islands Council has been delayed again after new information was submitted by the oil company last night and this morning.

Council convener Sandy Cluness adjourned this morning’s Full Council meeting at Lerwick Town Hall almost immediately to allow the council team to consider the fresh submissions, the last of which arrived at 8.30am, just half an hour before the meeting began.

Mr Cluness said he still believed it was possible that a historic agreement could be struck later this morning. “I remain hopeful,” he told reporters gathered outside.

The council has been negotiating with Total to try to get maximum income for the Shetland community in return for a £500 million gas terminal being built on the local authority’s land next to the existing Sullom Voe oil terminal.

The council wants the lease to include a fee based on the amount of gas passing through the new terminal, which is to be built initially to process gas from Total’s Laggan-Tormore fields west of Shetland.

Total wants to start access road improvements and earthworks at Sullom Voe next month.