Europe's biggest oil and gas extravaganza continued in Aberdeen today with an upbeat message for Scotland's economy.

Exhibitors were pulling out all the stops to win a slice of the millions of pounds worth of business done at Offshore Europe.

On a tour of the show Scottish secretary Jim Murphy said he believed the North Sea industry is one to celebrate.

Mr Murphy said: "The North Sea oil and gas industry is a remarkable success. It has been for four decades and will be for a long time to come.

"We also have opportunities with renewable energy, offshore wind and wave and tidal power. So these companies here, and there are thousands of people here, have a real sense of canny optimism."

Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy was on hand to dish out advice to delegates keen to try their hand at cycling.

Ten thousand visitors flocked to the show on the first day alone.

Exhibitors pulled out all the stops to lure them to spend time on their stand.

The massive oil showcase runs for a further two days. Forty thousand visitors are expected to attend the event which provides a major boost for the local economy.