During these two days this conference will review the environmental management and monitoring at Sullom Voe Oil Terminal since 1974. To understand the part played by Shetland, its people, and the successive Island Councils we have to look further back. Many individuals, many organisations of varying motivations, of differing gifts have been contributors; have set the pattern.

Who were they all? As a good citizen I will place the Government first – not necessarily in importance. These days a County Convener must be cautious in his utterances! In the early 1970s politically safe oil held many attractions. The recent BBC2 programme so graphically evokes the period. There was also the massive potential income so near to the homeland.