ABSTRACT
The economic and environmental character of the Grampian Region, its settlement pattern and the role of Aberdeen City as the offshore oil and gas ‘capital’ of Europe are outlined. Pre-oil (post-war to 1970) economic decline is described. During the 1970s exploitation of North Sea oil and gas had significant social and economic effects; extensive development of infrastructure was required. Gas pipeline landfalls, separation facilities and the prospect of petrochemical processing appeared. Authorities were presented with problems and opportunities for economic forecasting and forward planning. In the 1980s North Sea exploitation may be at different scales and involve a new economic and social change. Oil and non-oil industries have diverging prospects; oil-related employment will increase, affecting the rural economy, and the need to expand infrastructure in certain areas will continue. There will be opportunity for science-based industries, for greater community support by the oil-majors and continued need for financial support from central government. Thus the 1980s will see new planning opportunities and continued need for coordinated central and local government policies. The oil and gas industries promise to be both economic catalyst and social cushion. The community faces a variety of risks should the economy become seriously unbalanced.
