Work on new gas terminal begins

The development is estimated to be worth £200m to the Shetland economy

Construction work has begun on a £500m project to bring gas ashore from the west of Shetland.

The scheme, backed by the French oil giant Total, will see a new processing plant built at Sullom Voe, creating up to 700 jobs.

The gas will be used to supply customers across the UK.

Following construction, about 70 full-time staff will be based at the new plant. Gas is expected to start coming in through the new terminal by 2014.

Total has said the investment, which is worth about £200m to the Shetland economy, will help open up the Atlantic frontier for future gas development.

The scheme is part of a £2.5bn investment by the firm.