A NEW report has forecast a “bumper year” for the North Sea oil and gas industry, amid a substantial recovery in exploration drilling and development.

However, the SNP MSP who co-convenes Holyrood’s cross-party group on oil and gas warned Brexit could put that recovery at risk.

Commenting on the report by industry experts Wood Mackenzie North-East MSP Maureen Watt, said: “The latest projections are extremely encouraging, and are further proof of the strength and resilience of the North Sea oil and gas industry.

“However, it’s no secret that successive Westminster governments have presided over disastrous mismanagement of North Sea oil, and with Tory Brexit uncertainty looming, it’s high time Scotland took control of our own oil and gas revenues. The SNP have consistently argued for full powers over the oil and gas sector to come to Holyrood.”