An exploration company based in Edinburgh has announced the discovery of oil off Senegal in West Africa.

Cairn Energy and its joint venture partners found 29 metres of net oil bearing reservoir at the FAN-1 well, located around 100 kilometres off the coastline and in 1,427 metres depth.

The company said it would now continue to evaluate the discovery, working with the Senegal Government and its partners.

Simon Thomson, CEO Cairn Energy said: “We have encountered a very substantial oil bearing interval which may have significant potential as a stand-alone discovery.”

Cairn Energy has a 40% interest in three offshore blocks in Senegal while ConocoPhillips has 35%, FAR Ltd owns 15% and Senegal’s national oil company Petrosen has a 10% share.