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A survivor of one of the world’s worst-ever offshore oil disasters is facing a new battle –Parkinson’s.

Vince Swales was on the Piper Alpha oil rig on July 6, 1988, when an explosion and resulting fires destroyed the North Sea platform, killing 167 friends and workmates.

Vince was one of only 61 who survived the tragedy and this month he met up with fellow survivors at the memorial service in Aberdeen, 30 years on.

The 61-year-old, who lived in Blairgowrie at the time of the disaster, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 after becoming aware of issues with his health four year previously.

He explained: “My arm wouldn’t swing when I was walking and my foot seemed as though it had grown because my boot didn’t seem to fit properly.

“I found it difficult to tie laces and fasten buttons together.

“After lots of visits to my GP, he decided to send me for a brain scan.

“At the time the results were that I didn’t have Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s which was a relief.

“I carried on my work as a foreman linesman on the electricity grid pylons.

“My workmates had become aware of my problem and helped me put my working harness on so I could climb the pylons.”

But while working in the south of England in 2012, Vince gradually became very tired to the point where he couldn’t plan the work for his men.

His doctor signed him off for a month and organised an appointment with a neurosurgeon.

“‘You have Parkinson’s’, said the consultant and my world fell apart.

“The neurosurgeon confirmed the diagnosis. I think I was still very much in shock.

“I started the drug regime and found immediate benefits. My hand tremor was under control and to a certain extent my dexterity of my hand. I felt much better.”

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition for which