Directorate Change

Cairn Energy PLC
14 May 2003



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                                     14 May 2003



                           Cairn Energy PLC ('Cairn')


                     Appointment of Non-Executive Director


Cairn Energy PLC announces the appointment of Todd M Hunt as a Non-Executive
Director of the Company with effect from today's date.


Mr Hunt, aged 50, is currently President and joint owner of Atropos Exploration
Company and Atropos Production Company based in Dallas, Texas. These companies
currently operate approximately 150 wells, primarily in the Permian Basin of
West Texas and also hold non-operated interests in several other US states, both
onshore and offshore.


Mr Hunt holds 15,000 ordinary shares of 10 pence each in the Company, amounting
to 0.01% of the Company's issued share capital.


Mr Hunt is also a director/partner of Hotspur,LP, Indefatigable Corporation,
Indefatigable Partners, LP, Reynolds 2314 Partnership, Todd M. Hunt Family
Corporation, Merrimac Trading Company and McLean Investment Group, LC.


There are no matters which require to be disclosed for the purposes of paragraph
6.F.2 (b)-(g) of the Listing Rules.


Bill Gammell, Chief Executive of Cairn, commented:


'We are delighted that Todd Hunt has agreed to join the Cairn Board.  His
experience of operating low-cost multiple wells in Texas will assist the Group
greatly in future drilling programmes, particularly in Rajasthan.'



Enquiries:-


Cairn Energy PLC:
Bill Gammell, Chief Executive                    Tel:    [phone]
Dr Mike Watts, Exploration Director              Tel:    [phone]
Kevin Hart, Finance Director                     Tel:    [phone]


Brunswick Group Limited:
Patrick Handley, Catherine Bertwistle, Mark Antelme     Tel:   [phone]








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