Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Backs Action for Arnish

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is backing the Action for Arnish campaign and is meeting with Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse later this month to highlight concerns and seek a more sustainable future for the Arnish yard.

Speaking this week, Cllr Donald Crichton, Chairman of the Sustainable Development Committee, said:  “The disappointing news this week that Bifab has been unsuccessful in bidding for the SSE renewables contract off the East coast is a further blow to our local economy.   This of course has Implications for the Arnish fabrication yard and leaves our skilled local workforce without any prospect of future work.  It further highlights the lack of a national strategy or framework that would put in place incentives to ensure that renewable energy developers use local markets to construct their projects. 

Along with the Council Leader I am a signatory to the statement by the Arnish Campaign Group and fully share their frustration at the lack of progress in securing contracts for the yard.”

The Comhairle is meeting with the Energy Minister on 30 September and will be highlighting our concerns and seeking that he open up a new dialogue with the Arnish Campaign Group to address the issues raised and seek a more sustainable future for the Arnish yard.”

The Campaign has the backing of other Councillors, ex-Arnish workers, Trade Unions and local business leaders.