Comhairle Welcomes Announcement on BiFab

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has welcomed the announcement that Canadian company JV Driver, through its subsidiary DF Barnes, has acquired BiFab.

Chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee, Cllr Donald Crichton, said: "The Comhairle warmly welcomes this announcement and the potential it offers for a more sustainable future for the Arnish Yard manufacturing facility. I appreciate there is a lot of hard work ahead, but this is a hugely positive step.

The workforce at Arnish is highly skilled with significant expertise in the offshore renewables and oil and gas sectors. The facility itself is a first class manufacturing capability that offers potential for future growth into new manufacturing sectors. The Comhairle will therefore be looking to engage with DF Barnes to fully understand their strategy for the Arnish facility. It is essential that a strategy is put in place that seeks to ensure continuity of contracts and employment and avoids damaging cyclical highs and lows.

The Comhairle will continue to provide support as appropriate."