The Memorial and Memorial Garden commemorating those who lost their lives in the Piper Alpha disaster have been recognised with designated status by Historic Environment Scotland (HES)

Following a public consultation, the Memorial Rose Garden in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen has been added to the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes. The bronze memorial sculpture of three figures representing the platform’s workers, designed and created by Artist Sue Jane Taylor, has been listed at Category B.

The Piper Alpha oil platform, located in the North Sea 110 miles northeast of Aberdeen, was the site of the world’s worst offshore disaster on 6 July 1988. 165 men who worked on the rig were killed when the Piper Alpha was destroyed by a series of explosions that caused major fires and the substantial collapse of the platform. Two crewmen from the MV Sandhaven were also killed during the rescue attempt.

Following discussions in 1988-89 about a suitable permanent physical memorial, the rose garden in Hazlehead Park was selected and the bronze memorial sculpture was unveiled on the third anniversary of the disaster in 1991.

Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said:
"The Garden and Memorial are important sites of public commemoration and memory that connect people and communities to the enduring legacies of the Piper Alpha disaster.

“Designated status for these sites means that their cultural significance will be taken into account in future decisions about their management.”

KeyFacts Energy news: Aberdeen Focus