Scotland touts itself as oil, gas leader

HOUST, Texas, May 7 (UPI) -- The Scottish energy sector is expected to attract more than $160 million in contracts during the next three years, the Scottish energy minister said Wednesday.

"Scotland has built a global reputation with many creative and innovative companies capable of identifying growth opportunities in overseas markets and making a significant contribution to such business for many years to come," Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said at an energy conference in Houston.

The Scottish government said it expects Scottish oil and gas companies to secure contracts worth more than $160 million during the next three years.

Delegates from more than 60 companies joined Ewing in attending the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.

Scotland holds a referendum for independence from the United Kingdom in September. The government said it could support itself through oil and gas revenue while powering its economy in renewable energy resources.

The British government said the country as a whole would be better off united.