Memorial statue to lost North Sea divers unveiled in Aberdeen

A statue commemorating divers who have lost their lives in the North Sea energy industry has been unveiled in Aberdeen.

A dedication service was held at the weekend to mark the installation of the memorial.

It is estimated more than 100 divers have lost their lives since the inception of the oil and gas industry in the 1970s.

The statue, by sculptor Alan Herriot, overlooks the harbour at Pocra Quay. It was commissioned in 2023 by the North Sea Divers Memorial charity.

Depicting a man in a diving suit and helmet, it sits atop a granite plinth which reads: “Dedicated to all divers who lost their lives in the North Sea Offshore Energy Industry”.

Mr Herriot, one of Scotland’s best-known figurative sculptors, has other work in Aberdeen.

He made the statue of Scottish football legend Denis Law outside Provost Skene’s House, and one portraying King Robert the Bruce outside Marischal College.

The weekend’s dedication service was attended by some of those who have worked in the industry, including people from across the UK and US.

Former diver James McLean, a North Sea Divers Memorial trustee, said that none of the deaths over the years had been in vain, as they led to tighter safety regulations.

He said “We know the impact of those losses, and it’s very personal for us.

“It’s been an emotional journey the last couple of years, and sitting looking at the diver we agreed we’ve almost lived with all those souls over the last two years.”

Mr McLean added: “It’s doffing our cap, remembering friends and colleagues and others who died over the decades, not just in oil and gas but also in the renewable energy industry.”