BP has started drilling an exploration well in deep water west of Shetland after receiving Government clearance last week, despite opposition from environmental groups.
The company has spudded the North Uist well, 80 miles north west of the Shetland isles.
It is the first deep-water well BP has drilled in the UK since the disastrous leak from its Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
Announcing the Department of Energy and Climate Change's decision, energy minister Charles Hendry said it had "very carefully scrutinised" BP's plans and emergency response measures.
He said BP confirmed it has taken into account the findings and recommendations of the Macondo investigation reports.
However, Dr Richard Nixon, director of WWF Scotland, said: "BP have already made it clear that a major spill from this well would be a disaster for fishing, tourism and wildlife."
BP said ensuring its activities were safely managed was the company's absolute priority.
The company has a 47.5% stake in the North Uist well and will run the drilling operation. Aberdeen-based Faroe Petroleum has a 6.25% stake in the well.
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