MSPs Honor Chaplains Providing Spiritual Care to Offshore Oil Workers

Chaplains’ Vital Role in Supporting Offshore Workers Recognized by MSPs

In a significant acknowledgment of their contributions, over 20 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have endorsed a motion that honors the essential work of chaplains providing spiritual care to offshore workers in the oil and gas sector.

The UK Oil and Gas Chaplaincy Trust, with backing from various offshore energy companies through the trade association Offshore Energies UK, plays a pivotal role in this initiative.

According to the parliamentary motion, the chaplaincy offers “financial, pastoral, emotional, mental and spiritual care to people who work or have worked in the North Sea oil and gas industry and their dependants, with everyone welcome, regardless of faith or none.”

Founded in the 1980s by Rev Andrew Wylie, the chaplaincy provides significant pastoral support, including conducting offshore visits and aiding families dealing with bereavement and other challenges.

Additionally, the organization honors the memory of those lost in offshore work through a dedicated book of remembrance, with a separate volume for victims of the Piper Alpha disaster.

The Piper Alpha tragedy remains the deadliest oil rig disaster in history, occurring in 1988 due to inadequate safety and maintenance procedures, resulting in the loss of 165 workers’ lives.

A memorial for the victims stands in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen, and the chaplaincy organizes an annual commemoration at the Kirk of St Nicholas in the city.

Rev Michael Mair, a chaplain recognized in the Holyrood motion, expressed his gratitude, stating that he was “deeply honoured and touched” by the recognition of the chaplains’ work.

“We have the real privilege to respond to families, friends and colleagues on the worst of days. We can only hope that through our presence alongside those enduring grief, pain, stress and challenge that we can bring some comfort and peace,” he remarked.

He further highlighted the importance of their hardship committee, describing it as a crucial safety net: “The quiet work of our hardship committee, who assist workers when life has become incredibly challenging, is a key safety net offering a lifeline to many. This motion acknowledges the team effort undertaken by the administrator, chaplain and by all our trustees.”