Sir Ian spends millions to save Aberdeen's future
Sir Ian Wood says we have to act now to save the future of Aberdeen city and shire.
Sir Ian Wood's spearingheading a new initiative to make sure Aberdeen doesn't sleepwalk into disaster.
The former oil boss is spending £25 million to kickstart a new business group Opportunity North East which aims to create thousands of new jobs in the years to come.
He says while many people have lost their jobs because of oil price crisis this year - the future could be even more bleak when the North Sea runs out of oil.
ONE will encourage firms to invest in new technology so companies can still be based in the North East, while exporting that expertise around the globe.
Sir Ian thinks that could secure tens of thousands of posititions.
But as well as oil and gas, ONE will look at creating thousands of jobs in other sectors.
Colin Crosby will be in charge of tourism, Patrick Machray will look after food and drink as well as agriculture and fishing while Professor Stephen Logan will head up life sciences.
Sir Ian himself will be in charge of oil and gas, while Jennifer Craw will be the chief executive.
It follows the folding of north east business group ACSEF, although ONE will have a budget around a hundred times bigger.
They're already signed up as a private partner in the bid for a City Region Deal for Aberdeen City and Shire.
(picture: Sir Ian Wood, Colin Crosby, Professor Stephen Logan, Jennifer Craw, Patrick Machary)