A LEADING oil academic has said oil will be important for at least the next 40 years.

Professor Alex Kemp of Aberdeen University said oil would "contribute significantly to the national economy" beyond 2050.

He said technological advances will ensure higher rates of oil recovery from the North Sea than at present.

SNP Energy Spokesman Fergus Ewing, said: "It's particularly interesting to note his prediction that oil recovery rates will improve and that more fields may be reopened as technology improves."