The generation of renewable energy from wave power is a huge resource, just waiting to be exploited, according to one industry commentator.

Nick Rau, from the Energy and Climate Campaign at Friends of the Earth, says development of the Scottish wave power industry could create thousands of jobs.

Furthermore, it would give the UK a share in what he believes is to become an industry worth millions.

"Even the most conservative estimates say that we will see a boom in marine energy," he comments.

"Invest in them now and we will see a boom in the future."

Mr Rau adds that the "fledgling technology" needs to get off the drawing board and out to large scale commercial deployment.

Scottish company Pelamis Wave Power has developed the world's first wave-power farm in Portugal, which will generate clean electricity for more than 1,000 homes in its first phase and 1,500 homes at its peak.