SCOTLAND’S production of oil and gas will “effectively end” in the next 20 years - and ministers will consider speeding this up, the Energy Secretary has said.
Michael Matheson outlined a new strategy that includes seeking views for “more robust climate compatibility” checks for oil and gas fields that are licensed but not developed, and a presumption of no new exploration in the North Sea.
The proposals clash with the UK Government which announced a new licensing round to allow exploration for fossil fuels in the North Sea in October, despite concerns from climate campaigners.
