Taqa delivers £630m North Sea boost - graduate jobs

Graduates and current students could be handed a jobs boost after Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond unveiled further North Sea investment to the tune of £630 million.

Oil and gas operator Taqa will spend the cash over the next two to three years, which could be good timing for current university students who will be looking for opportunities when they graduate.

This latest investment follows a similar cash pledge that saw about one billion dollars injected into the industry over the previous three years.

Mr Salmond revealed that there will also be a case made to the Treasury to push for tax changes so that oil recovery from the smaller fields can be maximised.

He is currently on a five-day trip to Qatar and United Arab Emirates with the goal of strengthening links with higher education and the economy.

After meeting with Taqa, Mr Salmond described how the firm's decision was a great boost for the North Sea.

He said: "This is further proof that there are opportunities for exploration and delivery which will take the industry forward for another 40 years.

"This significant investment and the jobs it will bring will be a boost to growth in Scotland, and the company's ongoing commitment in the North Sea and the north east will have the added impact of boosting confidence in the sector."