ALEX Salmond has opened industrial safety specialist Intertek's new energy services HQ in Aberdeen.

The company – whose directors include Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson – will base 160 staff at the Bridge of Don Energy Park.

It will be Intertek's main hub for oil and gas-related research and development, testing and training. The workforce could grow to 220 over the next three years.

Mr Salmond said the HQ was "a true centre of excellence in North Sea oil and gas". He added: "This shows what a critical role the energy sector plays in our economy."

Raymond Pirie, vice president of Intertek's global upstream business, said: "We see continued need for our services to safeguard asset integrity and secure increased production in the buoyant North Sea market."