Directorate

CAIRN ENERGY PLC
4 October 1999

                    Appointment of Non-Executive Director  

Cairn Energy PLC announces the appointment of Norman L Murray C.A. as a
Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from today's date.

Mr Murray, aged 50, was until December 1998, Chairman of Morgan Grenfell
Private Equity and a Director of Morgan Grenfell Asset Management Limited. A
past Chairman of the British Venture Capital Association, he is currently
Chairman of BL Advisers Ltd, a Director of Murray Ventures Investment Trust
plc, Glasgow Income Trust plc and several other companies.

Mr Murray will become a member of Cairn's Audit and Remuneration Committees.

Enquiries:

Bill Gammell, Chief Executive, Cairn Energy PLC   0131 475 3000