Perth show goes ahead on anniversary of North Sea disaster

Jul 4 2008 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PLEA to hold a weekend tribute in Perth to the victims of the world’s worst off-shore oil and gas disaster was rebuffed yesterday.

After lobbying Perth and Kinross Council for a public acknowledgement of Sunday’s 20th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster, a former Aberdeen resident now living in Perth accused the local authority of “insensitivity” after it refused to make the gesture.

The man, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, hit out at the council for allowing major events, such as the visit of rock superstar Elton John to the Fair City’s McDiarmid Park, to be held on the sensitive date.

“I am disappointed that July 6th was selected by the organisers and allowed by the council,” he said yesterday.

“I realise it is important for people to move on, but at the same time some respect must be given, especially on a Sunday.

“This is Elton’s only Scottish venue, and it is most unfortunate it clashes with the anniversary of Scotland’s worst tragedy, which affects more than just the North East coast.

“I am very interested as to why the council did not pick up this clash when they approved the staging of this event.”

The man also suggested the gig’s organisers should consider “some mention or tribute to the modern day heroes who fight in the North Sea for our home comforts and western standard of living”.

He went on: “The organisers may wish to make a donation to the upkeep of the Piper Alpha memorial and Rose Garden in Aberdeen.

“Alternatively, a worthy dependant of the casualties of the disaster could be helped in some way.

“This disaster killed 167 in one day, compared with just over a hundred in the Afghanistan conflict over several months.”

A PKC spokesman said the licence for the Elton John show was granted by councillors after promoters Marshall Arts had agreed a date with St Johnstone FC, the hosts.

“There would be no legal grounds for refusing a licence on the basis that the date clashes with the anniversary of a tragic event,” he said.

Marshall Arts declined to comment on the PA reader’s comments.

An explosion and resulting fire destroyed the Piper Alpha oil production platform on July 6, 1988, killing 167 men.

Remembrance services will be held in Aberdeen on Sunday.