The move follows a deal made in May by Cluff with Verus over the possible acquisition of an equity stake in three oil and gas licences located in the central North Sea and the Moray Firth.

The agreement included an option to acquire a 25% participating interest in the P2082 licence, which contains blocks 30/12c, 13c, 17e & 18c and the Skerryvore exploration prospect in the central North Sea, as well as an option to acquire a 20% participating interest in licences P1944 (Block 14/20e) and P2156 (blocks 15/11 & 16f) located in the Outer Moray Firth.