A pioneering wave-energy device installed on the sea bed off Orkney is to be connected to the national grid for the first time on Friday.
The 200-tonne Oyster wave energy generator, which is around 500 metres offshore from Billia Croo near Stromness will be switched on by First Minister Alex Salmond.
Aquamarine Power's massive device was moved into the water as part of a massive operation in August.
The mechanism works by capturing energy from passing waves and if successful will create both jobs and exports for Scotland.
Speaking in August, Aquamarine Power chief executive officer Martin McAdam warned that Scotland must seize control of its own renewable energy.
He said: “We've allowed other countries to come in and take over and develop the technology and get the benefit for that. And I would not like to see that happen here.
“We have a small window of opportunity and over the coming years we need to be working with Government, working with the other partners and ensuring we create this industry for Scotland and the UK."
The technology now faces the double challenge of operating in what can be extreme sea conditions as well as generating electricity for the national grid.
