Remembrance service on 25th anniversary of Piper Alpha disaster

A service is being held in Aberdeen to remember the 167 men who died in the Piper Alpha disaster 25 years ago today.

The North Sea oil rig exploded on the night of 6 July 1988, resulting in a fireball that engulfed the structure.

A Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth was due to mark the start of the service with a fly past at 11am.

The remembrance service is taking place at the Memorial Garden in Aberdeen's Hazlehead Park, which has undergone a £150,000 upgrade.

Prime Minister David Cameron said in a message to industry body Oil and Gas UK: "The 25th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster is a fitting moment to mark the skill, bravery and dedicated professionalism of all those who work offshore.

"We will never forget the 167 who lost their lives. And my thoughts as Aberdeen remembers its loss are with their families and loved ones, the survivors and all those involved on that tragic night."

First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The 25th anniversary has rightly had a substantial emphasis in making sure that the new generation of offshore workers understand the importance of Piper Alpha in creating the current offshore safety regime.

"However, given that the oil industry will be with us for the next half century and more, we also have a responsibility to ensure that new generations of Scots understand the significance of the world's worst offshore disaster."

News
Belief in ghosts and magic linked to faith and trust in science, study finds
Belief in ghosts and magic linked to faith and trust in science, study finds

A new study suggests that Americans who believe in God while placing strong trust in science and reason may be more likely to believe in ghosts, curses and other supernatural phenomena.

Archaeologists may have discovered identity of mystery skeleton in Westminster Abbey
Archaeologists may have discovered identity of mystery skeleton in Westminster Abbey

Archaeologists believe they may have finally discovered the identity of a skeleton buried in a Roman sarcophagus in Westminster Abbey.

Many churches lack AI policies despite widespread support among pastors, study finds
Many churches lack AI policies despite widespread support among pastors, study finds

New research reveals a significant divide between church leaders’ recognition of the need for responsible AI practices and the measures currently in place within their congregations.

New index examines how faith-based businesses put beliefs into practice
New index examines how faith-based businesses put beliefs into practice

A pilot study of 100 organisations explores how religious beliefs shape investment, governance and social responsibility.