EXHIBIT 23.4 

                            CONSENT OF RYDER SCOTT COMPANY


               We hereby consent  to the  reference to our  firm under  the
          caption "Experts" and the reference to the results of our reserve
          review  letter,  dated  January 1,  1995  (the  "Reserve   Review
          Letter"), in the Registration Statement and related Prospectus of
          Cairn Energy USA,  Inc. (the  "Company") on Form  S-3 and to  the
          incorporation by reference therein of  references to our firm and
          to the Reserve Review Letter  in the Company's Form 10-K for  the
          year  ended  December 31, 1994,  filed  with  the Securities  and
          Exchange Commission.


                                        /s/ RYDER SCOTT COMPANY
                                            PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
                                        Ryder Scott Company
                                        Petroleum Engineers


          Houston, Texas
          May 8, 1995