A BUDDING journalist has made a documentary exploring the controversial proposal for a new oil rig decommissioning site at Hunterston.

Student Brandon Cook has shot footage of the site at Hunterston, marine life and the surrounding scenery on the west coast of Scotland for the 27-minute film to explores the case for and against the potential new development.

Brandon, 21, says he hopes people find the piece 'educational' and told the News about the six months of hard work that went into creating the video.

He added “The film aims to provide an impartial and objective view of the plans, leaving the viewer to form their own opinion.

"This project, which is part of my degree, has required a lot a research, filming and editing and it feels great to finally get it out there.

"It is a completely independent film which cost nothing to make, other than my time.

"Everyone who contributed was really helpful, either by giving interviews or letting me use existing footage. Without their help, this film would have been very difficult to make and I would like to thank all involved."

Brandon explained the ferocity of the debate and strength of feeling on both sides was the reason he chose the oil rig plan for his documentary.

He added: "I was aware of so many heavily biased social media posts on both sides of this debate, and I wanted to bring all the arguments together and present them in an unbiased manner.

"What’s happening at Hunterston potentially affects a lot of people, so it’s very important that they know the facts of what’s going on there and can make their own informed decisions.”

The film includes a number of interviews with specialists in fields such as marine science, chemical engineering, construction and conservation. It also features local people and members of the protest group, Friends of the Firth of Clyde.

The Skelmorlie student added: "An unexpected star of the film is Kylie the dolphin, whose habitat and wellbeing is discussed."

Brandon even got on a kayak to take a closer look at the area himself and the video includes spectacular aerial drone footage of the whole Hunterston development site.

The video is part of a creative research project for the University of The West of Scotland. Brandon is in his final year at UWS on the BA (Hons) Journalism course.