Two turbines for a prototype offshore wind farm have been showcased at a former oil fabrication yard in the Highlands. The project will see two of the largest turbines in the world installed next to the Beatrice Field in the Moray Firth.
The turbines have been delivered to Nigg, Invergordon, before being transported to the test site.
European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs inspected the turbines at Nigg on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Piebalgs was invited to Scotland by the SNP's European spokesman Alyn Smith MEP.
First phase
Mr Smith said: "This project is the reason the commissioner came to Scotland and it is a real example of Scotland leading the world.
"What we saw today was the first phase in a development that could eventually provide enough electricity for the whole of Aberdeenshire, if not more."
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen, a Lib Dem MSP, also joined Mr Piebalgs for the visit to Nigg.
 Nicol Stephen, left, and European Commissioner Andris Piebalgs |
He said that with projects such as the Beatrice scheme, Scotland could become a "renewable energy powerhouse".
The project is being run by a Scottish-based consortium led by oil firm Talisman and power company Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE).
Government funding was secured two years ago, with �3m from the Scottish Executive and �3m from the Department of Trade and Industry.
If the �35m pilot proves successful, a full 200-turbine wind farm will be built 12 miles offshore.
It would be capable of generating one gigawatt of electricity, enough renewable energy to power the city of Aberdeen.
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